Overview:
The United States has barred Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules from entering the country, citing alleged corruption tied to China-based interests following a yearlong investigation. Baules denies wrongdoing, questions the timing of the action, and says the move raises concerns about Palau’s sovereignty. The designation has sparked mixed reactions across the community.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 13, 2026) — “I have not broken any U.S. laws,” Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules said after the United States publicly designated him for what it described as involvement in significant corruption linked to China-based actors.
The designation, announced Feb. 10 by U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, states that Baules “abused his public position by accepting bribes in exchange for providing advocacy and support for government, business, and criminal interests from China.”
According to the State Department, Baules’ actions constituted significant corruption and adversely affected U.S. interests in Palau. As a result, Baules and his immediate family members are barred from entering the United States.
An introduction to the announcement posted on the U.S. Embassy’s Facebook page said the action followed more than a year of investigation and reflects longstanding U.S. policy to uphold integrity in public institutions and protect the interests of partner nations.
Baules denied the allegations and said he does not understand the basis for the designation.
“I have not broken any U.S. laws. Also, if I broke any Palauan laws and they have evidence, they can charge me,” he said. “They are doing this because I helped Chinese business people and to them, that is criminal. I just don’t understand. Palau has no enemies. We are friends to all and enemies to none. And here they are saying I am a criminal because I helped Chinese investors.”
Baules also questioned the timing of the action, noting that the Senate recently filed a court case against President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. over the administration’s decision to accept third-country deportees.
“We filed a case in court against President Whipps and his decision to accept the U.S. deportees last Friday and then on Tuesday, this came out,” he said.
He further argued that the designation does not respect Palau’s sovereignty.
“They don’t respect us, don’t respect Palau. They sit over there and call us criminals because we don’t do what they want. I did not misuse or steal U.S. money,” Baules said.
Public reaction among Palauans, both locally and abroad, has been mixed.
“The timing of this is telling,” said Joan, a young professional who asked that her real name not be used. She said she saw the announcement on social media and believes it may be linked to the Senate’s opposition to accepting third-country nationals.
A state legislator said that if corruption investigations are being pursued, they should also examine other current and former leaders who had dealings with China.
A local boat operator said he was surprised by the U.S. action against a Palauan official who has not been convicted of a crime in either country. “I know people who have criminal records in Palau cannot go to the U.S., so maybe that’s why they said that,” he said.
A retired public official described the move as an affront to national sovereignty.
“This is a direct affront to our sovereignty. The United States is telling us not to have anything to do with China because they have a conflict with China. Are we a sovereign country or a U.S. territory?” the official said.
The State Department announcement also designated Anderson Jibas, former mayor of the Kili/Bikini/Ejit community in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, for involvement in significant corruption and misappropriation of U.S.-provided funds during his time in office. Jibas and his immediate family members are also barred from entering the United States.
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