The Fiji Government has responded to corruption allegations made by the United States against Fiji resident Zhao Fugang, calling on Washington to provide credible evidence of any alleged offences committed in Fiji.
In a statement, Government stressed that allegations of unlawful conduct within Fiji must be dealt with through the country’s own legal and law enforcement processes.
The response follows the US State Department’s decision to publicly designate Mr Zhao, director of the Overseas Chinese Service Center in Fiji, over allegations of significant corruption involving China-based interests.
The US alleges Mr Zhao paid bribes to Fijian citizens to advance Chinese government, business and criminal interests. The designation makes him and his immediate family generally ineligible to enter the United States.
While acknowledging Washington’s right to make decisions under its own laws, the Fiji Government emphasised the importance of respecting Fiji’s legal processes.
“The Government encourages relevant United States authorities to share credible information or evidence of alleged offences committed in Fiji with their Fijian counterparts for assessment and investigation where warranted,” the statement said.
Government also stressed that accusations alone were insufficient to establish guilt.
“It further stresses that allegations do not constitute proof of wrongdoing, and any action taken by Fijian authorities must uphold due process, the presumption of innocence and the rule of law.”
Mr Zhao has categorically denied the US allegations, describing them as unsubstantiated.
“I categorically deny the allegations. They are unsubstantiated,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.
He claimed neither the US Embassy nor the State Department had contacted him before the announcement or given him an opportunity to respond.
Mr Zhao also said he had not been questioned by Fijian authorities or charged with any offence.
He has written to the US Embassy in Suva seeking details of the allegations.
Despite its response, the Fiji Government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining cooperation with Washington.
“Fiji remains committed to working constructively with the United States and other international partners to combat transnational crime and unlawful activities,” the Government statement said.
