US Bans Fiji-Based Director Over Corruption Tied to Chinese Interests

The US Department of State has publicly designated a Fiji-based man for his involvement in corruption on behalf of Chinese actors. Zhao Fugang, 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, according to a press release issued by the State Department on Wednesday.

The statement noted that his actions constituted significant corruption and adversely affected U.S. interests in Fiji. As a result of this designation, Zhao and his immediate family members are generally ineligible for entry into the United States.

The US embassy in Suva, the capital of Fiji, stated that Zhao's actions left the Pacific nation vulnerable to malign foreign influence facilitated by Chinese government, business, and criminal actors. The embassy further highlighted that public reporting shows an established trend of criminals operating across the Pacific with ties to China.

While Beijing maintains that Overseas Chinese Service Centers assist its nationals with administrative tasks abroad—such as renewing driving licences—rights groups allege these centers serve as fronts for Beijing to project influence overseas, including targeting dissidents.

This action follows similar measures taken previously, such as in February when the administration sanctioned two leaders of Pacific island nations for alleged corruption tied to China. The US Department of State had issued a notice alleging that Hokkons Baules, the president of Palau’s Senate, and Anderson Jibas, a former mayor in the Marshall Islands, created openings for China to expand its regional influence.