China warns Panama and Philippines over Taiwan diplomatic activities

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued warnings regarding recent diplomatic activities involving Taiwan in Panama and the Philippines.

Regarding Panama, spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China strongly opposes any official contact or interaction between countries with diplomatic ties and Taiwan authorities. This response follows reports that Panamanian lawmakers formed a cross-party exchange group involving U.S. congressional members. China urged Panama to uphold the One China principle and cautioned that crossing lines on the Taiwan issue would lead to serious consequences.

In a separate matter, China responded to reports that Taiwan is planning to establish a representative office in Cebu, Philippines. Guo Jiakun characterized these attempts at diplomatic breakthroughs as futile and destined to fail. China has urged the Philippine government to strictly adhere to the One China principle and to handle Taiwan-related issues prudently to avoid damaging China-Philippines relations.