US sanctions officials from Marshall Islands and Palau, citing China fears
World • 5d ago
The Trump administration has accused Hokkons Baules of Palau and Anderson Jibas of the Marshall Islands of ‘significant corruption’.
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has sanctioned two leaders of Pacific island nations for alleged corruption, accusing them both of creating openings for China to increase its influence in the region.
On Tuesday, the US Department of State issued a notice alleging that the president of Palau’s Senate, Hokkons Baules, and a former mayor in the Marshall Islands, Anderson Jibas, had engaged in “significant corruption”.
Neither they nor their families will henceforth be allowed to enter the US, according to the statement.
“The Trump Administration will not allow foreign public officials to steal from U.S. taxpayers or threaten U.S. i...