Panama's lawmakers are building closer ties with Taiwan nine years after cutting official relations, a win for Taipei and a setback for China.

• A majority of Panama's parliament — 46 of 71 members — joined a new cross-party group for exchanges with Taiwan's legislature.
• China's embassy in Panama condemned the move, calling it a breach of the one-China principle and Panama's own stated position.
• The push came from members of IPAC, a network of lawmakers in 45 countries known for taking a hard line on Beijing.
• Panama's interest is mostly practical: technology and trade, with three parliamentary delegations visiting Taiwan in the past year.

Outlook: Panama's government is likely to keep its formal one-China stance while lawmakers deepen unofficial tech and trade links with Taiwan, leaving Beijing to protest without much leverage.