China warns Panama of 'serious consequences' over Taiwan parliamentary group

China's foreign ministry warned Panama of 'serious consequences' after a majority of Panamanian lawmakers formed a parliamentary exchange group with Taiwan, defying Beijing's embassy and the president's public disavowal. This marks a notable escalation in Beijing's pressure campaign against Panama, a key diplomatic ally that switched recognition from Taiwan to China in 2017. The incident could strain Panama-China relations and affect regional diplomatic dynamics, though Beijing's concrete retaliatory measures remain unspecified.