The U.S. State Department on March 25 (local time) announced the designation of a man residing in Fiji in connection with acts of corruption on behalf of Chinese entities.
According to a State Department press release, Zhao Fugang, director of the Overseas Chinese Service Center, "abused his public position by bribing citizens of Fiji to advance the interests of the Chinese government, businesses, and criminal actors based in China."
The release stated: "His actions constitute serious corruption and negatively affect U.S. interests in Fiji."
The designation renders Zhao and his immediate family members "generally ineligible for entry into the United States."
The U.S. Embassy in Suva, Fiji's capital, said Zhao's actions expose the Pacific island nation to the risk of "malign foreign influence facilitated by Chinese governmental, business, and criminal actors."
The U.S. Embassy also noted: "Public reporting demonstrates a clear trend of criminal activity operating across the Pacific with ties to China."
For its part, Beijing maintains that the Overseas Chinese Service Centers help Chinese citizens handle administrative matters abroad, such as driver's license renewals. However, human rights groups allege they serve as a front for Beijing to advance its interests overseas, including targeting dissidents.
Earlier in February, the administration of President Donald Trump sanctioned two leaders from Pacific island nations over corruption allegations linked to China. The State Department issued a notice accusing Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules and former Marshall Islands mayor Anderson Jibas of creating opportunities for China to expand its influence in the region.
