A China-based fishing mogul has been identified as the financer and “permanent honorary chairman” of a Chinese-Australian economic and trade group that has been scrutinized over its links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The Australia China Economics Trade and Culture Association (ACETCA) received support from Zhuo Xinrong, also known as Zhuo Longxiong, who held senior positions in the organization for over eight years. Zhuo has been the focus of a sweeping US investigation due to his alleged illegal business operations and ties to the CCP. As the majority shareholder and chairman of Pingtan Marine Enterprises, he had his US assets frozen after the company was sanctioned for illegal fishing and human rights abuses in December 2022. The Australian government has urged for an overhaul of foreign influence laws, and the Attorney-General’s Department recommends establishing a tiered system to focus on opaque links with high-risk governments like China.