Beijing:Beijing expressed strong opposition to the 'vilification' of China following the U.S. decision to bar a Chinese national from entry due to alleged corruption activities in Fiji.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, "We oppose vilification and smears against China." This statement was made in response to actions by the U.S. State Department, which publicly designated Zhao Fugang, the director of the Overseas Chinese Service Center in Fiji, for his involvement in significant corruption activities linked to China-based actors.

The Overseas Chinese Service Center is a nonprofit organization that provides various services, including assistance with visa and citizenship applications, legal advice, and Chinese-language education. The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, indicated that Zhao and his immediate family members are generally ineligible for entry into the United States.

Pigott further accused Zhao of abusing his position by bribing Fijian citizens to promote China-based government, business, and criminal interests, actions deemed as significant corruption that adversely impacted U.S. interests in Fiji.