Taiwan is quietly rebuilding ties with Panama, a country that cut it off in favor of Beijing years ago — a small but real diplomatic win for Taipei.

• More than 60% of Panama's lawmakers have joined a new cross-party group for exchanges with Taiwan's legislature.
• The group has twice as many members as Panama's equivalent group for China, making it one of the biggest blocs in the chamber.
• Taiwan's foreign ministry says it is open to deeper cooperation with any country that shares its democratic values.
• The pitch is a trade: Taiwan's chips and AI technology paired with the Panama Canal's role as a global shipping hub.

Outlook: Expect pressure from Beijing as Taipei tests whether parliamentary goodwill can be turned into closer economic ties.