BEIJING, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Weaponizing visas will not scare off the sober-minded, nor will it hold back the flourishing ties 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 at a daily news briefing.

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

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

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

China deplores and firmly opposes U.S. baseless vilification, coercive diplomacy and blatant interference and sabotage against China's relations with Central American countries, the spokesperson said.

Weaponizing visas will not scare off the sober-minded, nor will it hold back the flourishing ties between China and Central American countries, Lin said, adding that China will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation with Central American countries, contribute to local socioeconomic development, and deliver more tangibly to their peoples. ■