US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday announced new visa restrictions on certain Central American nationals accused of working “intentionally on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party” to undermine rule of law in the region.

The policy, unveiled in a statement from the State Department, did not name any individuals or specify which countries were affected. But Rubio said those targeted — and their families — will be “generally ineligible for entry into the United States.”

“The United States is committed to countering China’s corrupt influence in Central America and stop its attempts to subvert rule of law,” Rubio said. “As a result, these individuals and their immediate family members will be generally ineligible for entry into the United States.”

Rubio emphasised that the restrictions are being applied under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. He said the US would impose them on people who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, provide significant support to, or carry out activities that undermine the rule of law in Central America.”

“These actions reaffirm President Trump’s commitment to protect America’s economic prosperity and national security interests in our region,” Rubio said. “We continue to promote accountability for Central American nationals who intentionally work with the CCP in Central America and destabilise our hemisphere.”

The restrictions reflect growing US concern about China’s expanding presence in Central America, where several nations have switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing in recent years.

Rubio said the new measures show Washington will “use all available tools to promote the safety and security of our region.”

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