Panama opens embassy in China after cutting ties with Taiwan
Panama's President Juan Carlos Varela has inaugurated the Latin American country's first embassy in China, months after cutting ties with Taiwan.
China and Taiwan split amid a civil war in 1949 but Beijing continues to consider the self-ruled city-state as part of its territory and subject to a diplomatic protocol known as “One China.”
In a speech heralding the embassy's "historic" establishment, Varela reiterated his country's commitment to the "One China" policy.
He said the decision to strengthen ties with mainland China was made with the national interests of the Panamanian people in mind.
Varela had proposed the idea of cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2006, a year after he became the leader of his party in 2006, only to go ahead with the decision this June.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was present at the ceremony, said the decision was an important step for both countries.
"The decision of the president is completely in the interest of the state, people, and nation of Panama, and also in complete conformity with the global trend of development. It is a correct decision that will stand the test of history," said Wang.
Varela, in China for one week, is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping on Friday to discuss trade and politics as well as sign a number of agreements ranging from economy, trade, tourism and other fields.
Panama is seeking to attract Chinese investors. On Friday, Varela will lead his 100-plus delegation on a 4.5-hour bullet train trip from Beijing to Shanghai.
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