Weaponizing visas won't scare off the level-headed, nor will it hinder the growing relationship between China and Central American countries, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks when answering a relevant question during a daily news briefing.

On September 4, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a statement imposing visa restrictions on citizens of Central American nations and their immediate family members who cooperate with the Communist Party of China and undermine the rule of law in Central America, to counter China's corrupt influence in the region.

In response, Lin said that the U.S. inflammatory finger-pointing at Central American countries' exchanges and cooperation with China is entirely groundless and demonstrates the U.S. complete lack of respect for Central American nations.

That once again shows how the United States is used to bullying the "small guys" in international relations, Lin said, adding that the statement once again exposes the relevant politician's deep-seated ideological bias and Cold War mentality.

China condemns and strongly opposes U.S. baseless vilification, coercive diplomacy, and outright interference and sabotage against China's relations with Central American nations, the spokesperson said.

Weaponizing visas will not intimidate the sober-minded, nor will it hinder the growing relationship between China and Central American countries, Lin said, adding that China will keep strengthening exchanges and cooperation with Central American nations, contribute to local socioeconomic growth, and deliver tangible benefits to their people.