US Sanctions Fiji-Based Man Over China-Linked Corruption

The U.S. Department of State has publicly sanctioned a man based in Fiji for his role in corruption connected to Chinese interests. Zhao Fugang, who serves as the director of the Overseas Chinese Service Center, was designated following allegations that he exploited his official position to pay bribes to Fijian citizens.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the State Department stated that Zhao’s actions were intended to advance government, business, and criminal objectives tied to China. The department described the conduct as significant corruption that negatively impacted U.S. interests in the region.

As a result of the designation, Zhao and his immediate family members are now generally ineligible for entry into the United States.

The U.S. Embassy in Suva, the capital of Fiji, warned that Zhao’s behavior exposed the Pacific nation to “malign foreign influence” orchestrated by Chinese state, commercial, and criminal actors. The embassy further noted that public reports indicate a growing trend of criminals with links to China operating across the Pacific.

While Beijing maintains that Overseas Chinese Service Centers provide administrative assistance to its nationals living abroad, such as helping with driver’s license renewals, human rights organizations have long alleged that these offices serve as fronts for Beijing to project power overseas and target dissidents.

This move follows similar action taken in February by the Trump administration, which sanctioned two leaders from Pacific island nations—Hokkons Baules of Palau and Anderson Jibas of the Marshall Islands—for alleged corruption linked to China. At that time, the State Department accused the officials of creating openings for increased Chinese influence in the region.