In a significant escalation of tensions in Latin America, the United States and China are clashing once more, this time over cyber espionage activities. The U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, recently issued a stern warning regarding the growing cyber threats posed by entities linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which he claims are targeting institutions across the Western Hemisphere.
In a recent post on the social media platform X, Cabrera expressed his concerns about an increasing number of malicious cyber actors in the region actively attacking critical infrastructure. He underscored findings from cybersecurity agencies that pointed to espionage activities associated with China specifically focusing on entities within the Western Hemisphere.
During a cybersecurity forum organized by the Organization of American States (OAS), Cabrera emphasized the essential need for constant vigilance and robust cooperation to protect national sovereignty and critical infrastructure. He highlighted that trustworthy partners and proven technologies are indispensable in securing digital infrastructure against such cyber threats.
Cabrera referenced recent research from the cybersecurity firm ESET, which revealed ongoing cyber espionage operations linked to China that target institutions in the hemisphere. He firmly asserted, “Cybersecurity is national security. Protecting national sovereignty necessitates assuring the security of digital infrastructure through reliable partners and tested technologies.”
In response to Cabrera’s comments, the Chinese Embassy in Panama issued a statement questioning the neutrality of the U.S. Ambassador, asserting that his remarks reflected a bias against China. However, the embassy refrained from directly addressing the specifics of Cabrera’s statements.
The embassy’s response took an unusual turn by employing a derogatory rural idiom, likening the United States to a worm, or “蝲蝲蛄,” which many interpreted as a sign of a lack of basic diplomatic decorum, thereby diminishing its national dignity.
Following the embassy’s statement, the use of the rural slang stirred considerable discussion among Chinese netizens on the platform X. Some commentators criticized the embassy’s choice of language, arguing that it was unbecoming of a country’s diplomats. One user, identifying as creative writer Cui Chenghao, noted, “This is the first time I’ve seen an embassy of one nation compare another country to a bug.” He lamented that such behavior was akin to resorting to vulgarity rather than engaging in civilized dialogue, which not only fails to resolve issues but also undermines national prestige.
Another account, Inforkynder, voiced concerns about diplomats representing national images and the expectation that they should embody grace and decorum. The user questioned whether the language used by Chinese officials was appropriate for diplomatic discourse.
Diverse opinions emerged too, with some suggesting that the remarks were an ironic commentary on the Chinese leadership’s apparent reliance on colloquial expressions rooted in rural culture. Other comments reflected a sentiment that the inherent tendencies of the CCP might be hard to change.
Furthermore, according to reports from “CA360,” Ambassador Cabrera referenced findings from ESET concerning a cyber espionage group named FamousSparrow, which allegedly uses a backdoor program called SparroWocky to launch attacks against government entities throughout Latin America.
ESET’s report indicated that approximately 90% of the related attack targets identified from mid-2025 to 2026 were located in Latin America. Researchers observed the malicious program being utilized against governmental institutions in several countries and regions, including Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.
ESET has classified FamousSparrow as a cyber espionage organization with ties to China, noting that it has been active since at least 2019. The group’s recent targeting in Latin America is thought to be linked to rising tensions between the United States and the CCP, suggesting that these operations may aim to gauge the reactions of Latin American governments to U.S. policies and initiatives.
This development marks a critical juncture in the ongoing geopolitical tug-of-war, as both nations continue to vie for influence in the vital and resource-rich region of Latin America. The implications of these cyber activities are significant, not only for the affected nations but also for the broader geopolitical landscape.