Taiwan Expelled from PARLACEN

It’s incredibly alarming to hear that the Central American Parliament (PARLACEN) expelled Taiwan and admitted China as a permanent observer. Taiwan has been a critical partner to PARLACEN and has helped grow Central America’s economy and strengthen democratic institutions in the region.

The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) influence throughout the Western Hemisphere should be a concern to us all. On my trip to the region in July, I witnessed the CCP’s reach into the region. The CCP courts underdeveloped nations with high-interest infrastructure projects that trap these countries in debt that they will never be able to repay. The CCP then exerts its pressure on these nations to carry out their bidding within international bodies.

In addition, I have seen how the Party has contributed to Latin America’s democratic backslide and human rights erosion. I wholeheartedly denounce the recent PARLACEN decision expelling Taiwan and admitting the CCP as a permanent observer. There is no doubt that the CCP will exploit this situation to exert its malign influence.

Any increase in the power of the Chinese Communist Party is a direct threat to not only our allies around the world but our safety here at home. I am working to prevent the CCP from buying farmland in the United States and transporting fentanyl into our country. Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.