The US State Department sanctioned Palau Senate President Hokkons Baules and former Marshall Islands mayor Anderson Jibas by designating them for “significant corruption” and barring them and their families from entering the United States.

The designations immediately restrict US travel and any US-facing engagements for the named officials and their close relatives, raising personal and political costs for continued roles in government. The move signals Washington is willing to use corruption sanctions as a tool in its Pacific competition with China, increasing scrutiny and potential penalties for other officials tied to US-funded programs or strategic access arrangements. Pacific governments reliant on US assistance may face tighter compliance expectations and due-diligence requirements to avoid similar actions that can disrupt bilateral cooperation.