The Republic of China (Taiwan) terminated June 13 diplomatic relations with Panama in order to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and dignity, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
With immediate effect, bilateral cooperation projects will cease and embassy and technical personnel will be recalled, the MOFA said, citing the unilateral decision the same day by Panama to break diplomatic ties with the ROC and establish official relations with Beijing.
Since the two counties commenced ties more than a century ago, the ROC has assisted Panama in advancing national development through a program of wide-ranging bilateral cooperation projects.
The government expresses its strong discontent and indignation over Panama President Juan Carlos Varela’s decision to disregard a centurylong friendship, bow to Beijing for economic benefits and deceive the ROC until the last minute in an extremely unfriendly manner, the ministry said.
At the same time, the MOFA sternly protested and condemned the actions of Beijing in coercing Panama to sever diplomatic ties with the ROC, suppress its international space and hurt the feelings of the people.
According to the ministry, this development will not affect the government’s commitment to expanding the country’s international participation through steadfast diplomacy. It will also continue actively contributing to regional peace and stability while reinforcing the country’s international status and enhancing the welfare of the people.
In a statement released the same day by the Office of the President, Secretary-General Joseph Wu stated the government’s deep regret and disappointment over the matter.
Attempts in the past few months by Beijing to use the “one China principle” and pressure Taiwan’s international space are a direct threat to the rights of the people and a dangerous provocation to cross-strait and regional peace and stability, the Office of the President said.
According to the Office of the President, these actions have challenged the cross-strait status quo, driving relations away from peace toward confrontation. In light of this development, the government will reassess the cross-strait situation.
Beijing must immediately cease activities that further damage regional stability and hurt the people of Taiwan so as to return cross-strait ties to the right path, the Office of the President said.
The government is responsible for safeguarding freedom and democracy, as well as the people’s security and welfare, the Office of the President said, adding that it will continue upholding the national interest with the utmost effort.
At a special news conference later the same day, President Tsai Ing-wen also stated her regret over the matter and said the government has the situation in hand.
It is important to understand that the government represents the 23 million people of Taiwan and as such, will never compromise when threatened, Tsai said. The people of Taiwan have long been struggling with the country’s international situation, and it is an indisputable fact that suppression from the other side of the strait has not stopped, she added.
According to the president, the more unfavorable the situation, the more determined she will become. Drawing on the nation’s strength of freedom and democracy, the people will stand together in controlling their destiny, she said. (SFC-E)
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