Chinese Embassy in Dominican Republic Responds to U.S. Espionage Warnings
The Chinese embassy in the Dominican Republic has publicly criticized the U.S. for disseminating what it calls defamatory remarks regarding the use of Chinese technology. This response follows a warning from U.S. officials about the potential security risks associated with technology from companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party, such as Huawei and ZTE. U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Juan Pablo Segura reiterated these concerns in a recent social media post, emphasizing that Chinese tech companies are compelled to cooperate with the Chinese government’s intelligence operations, which could lead to risks of spying and hacking.
In a statement, the Chinese embassy expressed strong dissatisfaction with the U.S. position, claiming that the accusations are baseless and a distortion of reality. They argue that such statements reflect an outdated Cold War mentality and demonstrate the arrogance of the United States. The embassy defended Chinese technology firms, asserting that they are known for their advanced technologies and compliance with local laws, contributing to socioeconomic development in the Dominican Republic and beyond.
The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo had previously published a Spanish translation of Segura’s warning, which reportedly incited the ire of the Chinese embassy. The Chinese officials characterized the U.S. comments as an act of technological intimidation and unilateral coercion, urging the U.S. to cease its political manipulation and respect the sovereignty of nations in choosing their technology partners.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian also condemned the U.S. warnings, labeling them as fabrications aimed at undermining Chinese tech companies. He reiterated the call for the U.S. to stop interfering with the rights of sovereign nations and to contribute positively to the prosperity and stability of Latin America and the Caribbean.
This diplomatic spat comes amid a backdrop of increasing collaboration between the Dominican Republic and the United States, particularly in areas concerning national security and drug trafficking. Dominican Foreign Minister Ito Bisonó recently engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on trade and investment opportunities, further solidifying ties between the two nations.
