【By Observer Net, Qi Qian】

Less than half a year after taking office, US Secretary of State Rubio has been causing trouble on visa issues on a regular basis.

According to the U.S. Department of State website, on September 4 local time, Rubio announced a new visa restriction policy to limit the issuance of visas to nationals from some Central American countries. He claimed that these people "are helping China."

Rubio posted on the social media platform X, stating that the United States is committed to combating "the corrupt influence of China in Central America," and will restrict visas for Central American citizens and their immediate family members who "are working for China" and threaten stability in the region.

The U.S. Department of State said in a statement that it has falsely accused China of "undermining the rule of law," claiming that this move reiterates the commitment of the President of the United States, Trump, to "protect the economic prosperity and national security interests of the United States in the region."

Reuters reported that Rubio and the U.S. Department of State did not name any individuals in their statements, nor did they provide any evidence, including specific examples of individuals targeted by the visa restrictions. The report also mentioned that in recent years, China's influence in Latin America has been continuously increasing.

Rubio answering questions from reporters on September 4 Rubio's X account

It is worth noting that since taking office this year, Rubio has continuously introduced so-called visa restriction measures, weaponizing visa matters.

In May this year, Rubio announced that he would impose visa bans on those identified as "foreign officials and individuals involved in reviewing U.S. citizens," and claimed that he would start revoking visas for Chinese students, including those "who have connections with the Chinese government or are studying in key areas." At that time, China urged the U.S. to effectively protect the legitimate and proper rights and interests of students from all countries, including Chinese students.

The United States has long regarded Latin America as its "backyard," and has been uneasy about China-Latin America cooperation, constantly engaging in small moves.

The spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry previously responded to the issue, pointing out that China's trade and economic cooperation with countries, including those in the Global South, is based on international rules and market principles. The essential feature is complementary strengths and mutual benefit. It not only benefits the well-being of developing countries but also promotes their economic transformation and upgrading, bringing tangible benefits to the development and people's lives of various countries.

The spokesperson emphasized that China has always conducted practical cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries in all fields on the basis of mutual respect and equality, which has effectively promoted the socio-economic development of the region, and has been welcomed and praised by the Latin American side. The United States has long bullied and exploited Latin America, making it a "vein that has been cut open." The U.S. has no right to comment on and interfere with China-Latin America cooperation.

"Latin America and the Caribbean are not anyone's backyard," the spokesperson said, "The U.S. should put aside its arrogant attitude, stop politicizing trade, science and technology issues, stop interfering in other countries' internal affairs, damaging the sovereignty and independence of other countries, stop pressuring other countries to take sides, restricting cooperation with China, and focus more on promoting regional peace, stability, and development."

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer Net. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7546409438085743114/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking on the [top/anti-top] buttons below.