Chinese authorities claim Vanuatu consulate hosted casino gambling operation

A diplomatic letter has raised questions over the use of Vanuatu’s consular premises in Guangzhou.

China.- Chinese public security authorities reportedly claim to have discovered gambling tables operating inside Vanuatu’s Consulate General in Guangzhou between January and April 2025. That’s according to a diplomatic letter cited by the Vanuatu Daily Post.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter to Vanuatu’s Embassy in Beijing in September 2025, asking how the consular premises had been used for gambling and whether any consular officials or employees were involved. The letter also reminded Vanuatu of its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which requires consular premises to be used for purposes compatible with their official functions.

The case has since been reported to Vanuatu’s Ombudsman’s Office by the country’s political opposition, which questioned the government’s handling of the Chinese communication and raised concerns about the management of the consulate. The Ombudsman confirmed that it had received the report and was assessing whether further inquiries were warranted. Vanuatu’s Foreign Ministry said the matter had been resolved in 2025 but did not disclose what action had been taken.