Panama has severed diplomatic relationships with Taiwain in light of a recognition of the Republic of China as only one China and Taiwan part of China.
Taiwan has express their discontent and has blamed the Chinese government for the break
Panama has maintained commercial relationships with China and diplomatic relationships with Taiwan. China is the second largest user of the Panama Canal after the US.
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That is unfortunate since Taiwan has been generous in helping Panama. Taiwan funded the new Mercado Municipal in Boquete. Of course, China may have done similar things that I'm not aware of.
The Taiwanese have been good to Panama and most of the Panamanian people are not pleased with the abrupt unilateral decision, without any notice.
The Taiwanese are very offended and have terminated all the help and student programs with Panama, all students who benefited from these programs are now in a real peril and have to decide if they return to Panama, stay in Taiwan at their expense or finish their programs in China, however, the Panamanian government are not taking into consideration that many of these students are only 1 or 2 semesters away from graduating.
Panama chose power and money over the loyalty of Taiwan. Only 20 countries recognize Taiwan and China is the 2nd largest user of the Canal, so money always wins. God knows what's behind such an abrupt decision.
I think Vaerela decided to follow daddy Trump's flip-flop on foreign policy re: Taiwan...
You said it already Olga......MONEY!! Costa Rica did it some years ago under Oscar Arias second term. But they always roll over for the highest bidder.....C.R. is famous for that......Another ill considered move by the Varela Administration. Theres no end to it......Which is why I still suscribe to the old adage: "The govt which governs best, governs least"..........There is no loyalty anymore......Its just money and economic advantages which rule the day.......