Congressman John Moolenaar Chairman of the Select Committee on the CCP | Official Website
A bipartisan delegation from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, led by Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), traveled to Central America to meet with national leaders and discuss concerns about China’s expanding presence in the region. The group visited Panama, Guatemala, and El Salvador, engaging with heads of state and legislative officials about the implications of Chinese influence.
During their visit to Panama, committee members toured the Panama Canal to understand its operations and economic significance. Moolenaar emphasized the importance of maintaining U.S. military access to the canal, stating, “We cannot allow China’s influence to grow in the Western Hemisphere, and we must ensure it does not gain control over critical infrastructure. The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel and a crucial part of the economy, and our military must always have the right to transit the locks whenever it needs to.”
In discussions with Guatemalan leaders, Moolenaar highlighted that Guatemala has maintained strong ties with Taiwan despite pressure from China. He noted collaboration between Taiwanese Ambassador Vivia Chang and Guatemalan officials as an example of resistance against Chinese coercion: “Guatemala’s leadership has resisted China’s coercion and stood strongly with Taiwan, and it was outstanding to see the partnership between Taiwanese Ambassador Vivia Chang and the Guatemalan government.”
The delegation also addressed projects in El Salvador funded by China through its Belt and Road Initiative. Moolenaar pointed out that these investments include construction of public buildings such as a national library and soccer stadium but often leave recipient countries burdened by debt. He added that “the CCP’s values of oppression, and its persecution of people of faith will never win over the people of Central America who value the same inalienable rights we hold dear as Americans.” He expressed gratitude for meetings held with leaders in all three countries.
Alongside Moolenaar were committee members Greg Stanton (D-AZ), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Carlos Gimenez (R-FL), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Congressmen Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Ed Case (D-HI), Ben Cline (R-VA), Lou Correa (D-CA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Gary Palmer (R-AL), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY).
