US think factory warns of Chinese transnational crimes in Palau

Sydney, Australia, March 1st (CNA) An American think tank has warned that China uses transnational criminal organizations to drive his political agenda in Palau, which could undermine the diplomatic relationships of Taiwan with the West Pacific nation.

In a recent report, the Pacific Economics said that transnational criminal organizations in Palau, one of the tactics used by China, have invested in areas such as science, business and culture in Palau to influence the island state.

One of the crime syndicate is the Prince Group, a Chinese-Kambodian conglomerate, which was founded by the Chinese businessman Chen Zhi (陳志), the report says. According to Pacific Economics, the group was involved in money laundering, online fraud and human trafficking in relation to the Chinese government's examination and radio -free Asia in Asia.

The Prince Group has proposed Resort investments in Palau, which have more than 1 billion US dollars, the report says. Similarly, many recently connected hotel investments in China in Palau, added the Think Tank.

Palau should try to identify and prevent harmful business activities and at the same time promote positive investments, said the Pacific Economics, citing examples such as Taiwan's investments in the country's hotels, the investments in Australia in its solar energy projects and the US's investments in its infrastructure.

Jarod Baker, co -founder of Pacific Economics, said CNA on Saturday that Palau Taiwan officially recognizes and does not adhere to politics “One China”, not to close criminal organizations at the gaps in areas in which the efforts of the Foreign Ministry of China are closed.

“[The crime syndicates] If you are used to bringing in hidden money, people and other elements, “he said.

Baker said that China uses various methods to influence other countries, but remains his main instrument for promoting its strategic goals.