During a daily briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the US's announcement of visa restrictions on Central American citizens and their families as "groundless" and a sign of ideological bias.
On September 4, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that the visa crackdown targets those who cooperate with the Communist Party of China and allegedly undermine the rule of law in the region. Rubio framed the move as a way to counter China's influence in Central America.
Lin Jian fired back, accusing the US of "bullying the small guys" and lacking respect for sovereign nations. He described the measures as coercive diplomacy and baseless vilification that reveal a deep-seated Cold War mindset.
"Weaponizing visas won't scare off the level-headed, nor will it hinder the growing relationship between China and Central American countries," Lin said, emphasizing Beijing's commitment to strengthening exchanges, boosting local socioeconomic growth, and delivering tangible benefits to regional communities.
For young global citizens and business enthusiasts, these developments highlight how visa policies have become levers in modern diplomacy. As great-power competition heats up, emerging markets in Central America are watching closely to see whether Washington's restrictions will reshape investment and cooperation opportunities.
China's pledge to deepen ties signals a long-term strategy focused on sustainable partnerships and real-world impact—key themes for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and changemakers seeking fresh perspectives on global engagement.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
