Beijing has accused the U.S. of “groundless accusations and slanders” after Washington launched a visa crackdown on Central American nationals suspected of working on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The U.S. Department of State has announced a new policy targeting certain Central American nationals, restricting visas for individuals it says direct, fund, support or carry out activities that weaken governance in Central America.
The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., has condemned the move, telling Newsweek in a statement that the U.S. was “deliberately sowing discord” between China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Newsweek has contacted the State Department for comment.
Why It Matters
The Trump administration’s hard-line approach to immigration and foreign influence has restricted visa access and tightened eligibility standards in a policy Washington says seeks to protect U.S. national security and counter foreign interference.
China’s presence in Central America has grown through trade, infrastructure and diplomatic engagement. China has invested in the region’s ports, energy and telecommunications, which U.S. officials fear pose risks to national security.
Beijing’s response to measures Washington says are needed to curb Chinese influence in the U.S. is likely to add to tensions between the countries.
What To Know
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the new policy to restrict U.S. visas for Central American nationals who intentionally act on behalf of the CCP.
Those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, provide significant support to or carry out activities that undermine the rule of law in Central America will be targeted, according to Rubio, and they—along with their immediate family—will be ineligible to come to the U.S.
He added that the U.S. would continue to “promote accountability for Central American nationals who intentionally work with the CCP in Central America and destabilize our hemisphere.”
The Chinese Embassy in Washington told Newsweek in a statement that Beijing adhered to the principle of noninterference in other countries’ internal affairs, strictly observed international laws and respected the judicial sovereignty of all countries.
It added that China carried out practical cooperation with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
China accused the U.S. of “wantonly interfering in normal cooperation between China and LAC countries, interfering the internal affairs of LAC countries, and abusing visa sanctions,” adding, “We firmly oppose it.”
What People Are Saying
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement: “The United States is committed to countering China’s corrupt influence in Central America and stop its attempts to subvert rule of law.”
The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek: “The U.S. actions are nothing but groundless accusations and slanders against China, deliberately sowing discord between China and LAC countries.”
What Happens Next
Rubio’s announcement is likely to further strain ties between Washington and Beijing, which is already under pressure over a proposed rule to cap mainland Chinese journalists’ stays in the U.S. at 90 days and ongoing trade talks over tariffs.
The post China Hits Back at Major US Visa Crackdown: ‘Slanders’ appeared first on Newsweek.
