China has sharply criticised the United States for its decision to impose visa restrictions on Central American officials and citizens accused of ties to the Chinese Communist Party, describing the move as evidence of American “arrogance and bias."

The US State Department announced last month that it would bar entry to individuals from the region “intentionally acting on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party” or those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, provide significant support to, or carry out activities that undermine the rule of law in Central America.” Washington framed the measure as advancing President Donald Trump’s efforts to safeguard America’s economic and national security interests.

Beijing condemned the decision, saying the policy represents political coercion under the guise of the rule of law. At a regular press briefing on November 21, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the US was using “illegal actions” disguised as legal tools to pressure regional governments and individuals. The policy, he added, places domestic law above international obligations, undermining sovereignty and “seriously disrupting the international order.”

“The accusations are malicious, baseless, and show a lack of respect for Central American nations,” Guo said, accusing Washington of habitual bullying. He also pledged that “China will always be a good friend and partner to Central American countries” and would continue to promote “development and revitalisation” across the region, as quoted by Chinese state media.

According to the SCMP, tensions escalated after Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino revealed that US embassy officials had threatened to revoke visas for government personnel over Chinese connections. US ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera responded that “a visa is a privilege, not a right,” and defended the restrictions as consistent with American law.

Cabrera later described China’s growing role in the Panama Canal as “malign,” claiming Beijing was “fooling Latin America with its investments,” in comments to local outlet Contrapeso Panamá. The remarks came as Panama moved to renegotiate agreements with Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports Company, which controls two major terminals on the canal.

Panama, under US pressure, pulled out of China’s flagship Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure programme earlier this year. Meanwhile, the visa crackdown has already affected other regional figures. As reported by the SCMP, Vanessa Castro, vice-president of Costa Rica's Congress, claimed that US officials had cancelled her visa last July on the grounds of alleged ties to Beijing.

China’s influence in Central America has expanded dramatically in recent years, with several countries shifting diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing and joining the BRI. Notably, Guatemala remains the only country in the region maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than the People's Republic of China.