China on Monday criticised the United States for imposing visa restrictions on Central American nationals and for accusing the region of deepening ties with Beijing, calling it “yet another example of US-style diplomacy of bullying the small.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said, “China deplores the US’ groundless attacks, coercive diplomacy, and interference in China’s relations with these countries.”
The spokesperson further stated, “Weaponizing visas will not scare off the sober-minded. Nor will it hold back the flourishing ties between China and Central American countries. We will continue to enhance cooperation with Central American countries, contribute to local prosperity, and deliver more tangible benefits to their peoples.”
Last month, Beijing had also voiced opposition to Washington’s tariff measures against India. MFA spokesperson Guo Jiakun, responding to media queries, described the move as an “abuse of tariffs,” reiterating China’s consistent criticism of what it calls coercive US trade and diplomatic policies.
When asked about former US President Donald Trump’s executive order to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for its purchases of Russian oil, Guo said, “China’s opposition to the abuse of tariffs is consistent and clear.”
He further added, “China opposes the US politicizing tech and trade issues and using them as weapons to maliciously blockade and go after China. The US should earnestly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals.”
Trump’s order also drew domestic criticism, with Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee warning that his actions risk undermining the carefully cultivated US-India relationship.
In a post on X, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks wrote, “Trump’s latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership. We have deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values.”
(ANI)