ABANDONMENT ISSUES:The DPP caucus proposed a formal statement condemning Beijing’s infliction of the ‘one China’ principle on its allies, but the KMT did not agree

Taipei Times
Date: Jun 14, 2017
By: Chen Wei-han and Sean Lin / Staff reporters

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers yesterday denounced China’s actions after Beijing established formal diplomatic ties with Panama, while the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus demanded that President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) deliver a presentation at the legislature on the severance of ties with Panama.

There have long been rumors that Panama would sever ties with Taiwan, and its establishment of formal relations with China suggests that Beijing is “tightening its grip” on Taiwan, DPP Legislator Lo Chih-cheng (羅致政) said.
Beijing’s “aggressive diplomacy” is increasing diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, Lo said.

“Panama was Taiwan’s key diplomatic ally in South and Central America, and the two nations had long-standing diplomatic relations. China’s move has greatly affected Taiwan and we have to take strict precautions against a possible domino effect,” he said, adding that the cross-strait “status quo” has been damaged and that Beijing would have to take full responsibility for a possible deterioration of cross-strait relations.

Taiwan should seek participation in international activities under the name “Taiwan” and encourage other nations to recognize and forge formal ties with both Taiwan and China, he said.   [FULL  STORY]