The Central American nation of Panama has established formal relations with the Peoples’ Republic of China, in what Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen says is a move “the Taiwanese people cannot accept.”
In establishing relations with China, Panama has broken what is one of Taiwan’s last remaining official diplomatic relations. Both Taiwan and China claim to be the legitimate sovereigns of all China, but most countries recognize the Peoples’ Republic as the legitimate successors to the previous regime.
With Panama’s decision, Taiwan is left with only 20 countries that recognize it, with Sao Tome and Principe also having switched to the Peoples’ Republic last year.
Panama’s President Juan Carlos Varela called the move necessary to ensure Panama’s economic success and freedom. China is Panama’s second biggest customer.
Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Minister has said that the Taiwanese embassy in Panama will be evacuated within the coming days.
(Image: Fox News)
