US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Central Americans Linked to Chinese Communist Party
Washington D.C. – The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting Central American nationals who intentionally act on behalf of the Chinese communist party (CCP). The policy, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, aims to counter perceived Chinese influence in the region and uphold the rule of law.
Key Details:
The restrictions will apply to individuals who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, provide notable support to, or carry out activities that undermine the rule of law in Central America.
These individuals, along with their immediate family members, will be ineligible for U.S. visas.
The U.S. government stated it will continue to promote accountability for those who collaborate with the CCP in ways that destabilize the region.reactions:
The Chinese Embassy in Washington responded to the announcement, asserting its adherence to the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and respect for international law and judicial sovereignty. They emphasized that cooperation with latin american and Caribbean nations is based on mutual respect, equality, and benefit. The embassy accused the U.S. of “wantonly interfering” in normal cooperation and abusing visa sanctions, and firmly opposed the new policy.
A State Department spokesperson affirmed that the Trump management had previously identified China‘s growing presence in the western Hemisphere as a risk to U.S. national security and prosperity.The spokesperson stated the visa restrictions demonstrate the U.S.’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining strong partnerships in the region.
Statements:
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The United States is committed to countering China’s corrupt influence in Central America and stop its attempts to subvert rule of law.”
chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C.: “The U.S. actions are nothing but groundless accusations and slanders against China, deliberately sowing discord between China and LAC countries.”
U.S. State Department: “By taking steps to impose visa restrictions on individuals intentionally acting on behalf of the CCP in Central America, the United States underscores our dedication to protecting U.S. sovereignty, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining strong partnerships. This action is consistent with the broader U.S. strategy to counter the CCP’s malign activities and promote a stable and secure international environment.”
Looking Ahead:
This new policy is expected to further complicate the already strained relationship between the U.S. and China. Existing tensions include a proposed rule limiting the stays of Chinese journalists in the U.S. to 90 days and ongoing trade negotiations regarding tariffs.
(Updated September 6, 2024, 4:07 p.m.ET with a U.S. State Department response.)
