The Chinese Foreign Ministry has publicly criticized Panama after a majority of the country's lawmakers formed a parliamentary exchange group dedicated to fostering ties with Taiwan. This move occurred despite active opposition from the Chinese embassy in Panama and a public statement from the Panamanian president distancing the executive branch from the initiative.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun characterized the formation of the group as a violation of the 'one-China' principle, which maintains that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory. Beijing has demanded that the Panamanian politicians involved reconsider their position, warning that the decision could lead to 'serious consequences' for bilateral relations. While Beijing frames the group as a rogue action by a small minority of politicians, the report notes that the group represents a majority of the country's lawmakers, highlighting a significant divide between the legislative body's actions and the official diplomatic stance maintained by the Panamanian executive branch.

Currently, the situation remains a diplomatic standoff. China is leveraging its economic and political influence to pressure the Panamanian government to dissolve the group, while the lawmakers involved have proceeded with the initiative despite the threat of repercussions. The dispute underscores the ongoing global tension regarding Taiwan's international status and the pressure Beijing exerts on nations to maintain exclusive diplomatic recognition of the People's Republic of China.