US State Department Accuses Fiji-Based Official of Corruption Linked to China

The US Department of State has publicly designated Zhao Fugang, a Fiji-based official, for his involvement in corruption on behalf of Chinese actors. According to the State Department, Zhao, who is the director of the Overseas Chinese Service Center, "abused his public position by paying bribes to Fijian citizens to advance China-based government, business, and criminal interests." This designation, announced in a press release on Wednesday, indicates that Zhao and his immediate family members are "generally ineligible for entry into the United States." The US embassy in Suva, Fiji’s capital, stated that Zhao’s actions have left the Pacific nation vulnerable to “malign foreign influence facilitated by Chinese government, business, and criminal actors.” The embassy also noted, “Public reporting shows an established trend of criminals operating across the Pacific with ties to China.” Beijing claims that Overseas Chinese Service Centers assist its nationals with administrative issues abroad, such as renewing driving licenses. However, rights groups have alleged that these centers serve as fronts for Beijing to promote its interests abroad, including targeting dissidents. In February, the Trump administration sanctioned two leaders of Pacific island nations for alleged corruption linked to China. The US Department of State issued a notice alleging that Hokkons Baules, the president of Palau’s Senate, and Anderson Jibas, a former mayor in the Marshall Islands, had created openings for China to increase its influence in the region.