US blocks Fiji-based man linked to Chinese corruption allegations

The US Department of State has barred Zhao Fugang from entering the United States over corruption allegations tied to Chinese actors. He runs the Overseas Chinese Service Center in Fiji. The designation also blocks his immediate family.

Officials released the details on Wednesday, accusing Zhao of bribing Fijian citizens to advance Chinese government, business, and criminal interests. “His actions constituted significant corruption and adversely affected U.S. interests in Fiji.”

The US embassy in Suva warned that Zhao’s work left Fiji vulnerable to outside interference. Officials pointed to regional reporting that tracks criminal networks with Chinese ties. “Public reporting shows an established trend of criminals operating across the Pacific with ties to China.”

Beijing insists the service centers simply assist Chinese nationals with routine paperwork. Human rights groups disagree. They argue the offices function as fronts to advance Beijing’s political agenda and monitor dissidents.

This designation follows earlier sanctions handed down in February by the Trump administration. Officials targeted Hokkons Baules of Palau and Anderson Jibas of the Marshall Islands. The State Department alleged both leaders opened doors for deeper Chinese influence across the region.