CHINA

Chinese Beverage Heir Was an American Citizen, U.S. Tax Records Reveal

Published: Jul. 24, 2025 1:38 a.m. GMT+8

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Wahaha founder Zong Qinghou. Photo: AI generated

Zong Fuli, the only publicly known child of the late Wahaha founder Zong Qinghou, was once a U.S. citizen until she renounced her American citizenship in 2010, according to U.S. public records seen by Caixin.

In 2019, she had purchased a high-rise residential property in Hong Kong using her Chinese passport, suggesting she may have held dual citizenship at the time, a status not recognized under Chinese laws.

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Zong Fuli, daughter of Wahaha founder Zong Qinghou, was a U.S. citizen from 2004 until she renounced it in 2010, later obtaining Hong Kong residency in 2018.
Zong’s dual citizenship status, along with her family's U.S. ties, sparked nationalist backlash and subjected their global income to U.S. taxes; the IRS demanded $16 million in back taxes.
Zong Fuli became vice chairwoman and general manager of Wahaha Group in December 2021, beginning the company’s succession plan.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Wahaha: Wahaha is a prominent Chinese beverage company. Its late founder, Zong Qinghou, and his family, including his daughter Zong Fuli, have had notable U.S. ties, with Zong Fuli formerly holding U.S. citizenship. These foreign connections have stirred public debate in China due to strict nationality laws and potential nationalist backlashes. The company's succession plan officially began with Zong Fuli's appointment as vice chairwoman and general manager in late 2021.

Wahaha Group: Wahaha Group's succession plan officially began in December 2021 with Zong Fuli's appointment as vice chairwoman and general manager. The family, including founder Zong Qinghou, has faced public scrutiny over U.S. citizenship and financial dealings, particularly concerning Zong Fuli's past U.S. citizenship and the family's tax affairs. These issues highlight the complexities of foreign ties for Chinese business elites.

Hongsheng Beverage Group: Hongsheng Beverage Group is a subsidiary of Wahaha, a Chinese beverage giant founded by Zong Qinghou. Zong Fuli, his daughter, became the president of Hongsheng Beverage Group in 2007.

Danone SA: Danone SA, a French food and beverage giant, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. in 2007 against Zong Qinghou's wife, daughter (Zong Fuli), and several non-joint-venture companies. This legal action prompted the IRS to investigate the Zong family's tax affairs.

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What Happened When

1996-2004：: Zong Fuli studied in the U.S.

1999：: Zong Fuli obtained a U.S. green card. Zong Qinghou also obtained a U.S. green card.

2004：: Zong Fuli became a U.S. citizen.

2007：: Danone SA filed a lawsuit in the U.S. against Zong’s wife, Shi Youzhen, Zong Fuli, and several non-joint-venture companies, prompting the IRS to form a special task force to investigate the Zong family’s tax affairs. Zong Fuli joined Wahaha and became president of Hongsheng Beverage Group.

June 2008：: Zong’s lawyer, Qian Weiqing, and a Wahaha union consultant, Li Su, confirmed that U.S. tax authorities had demanded the Zong family pay $16 million in back taxes.

July 2009：: Zong Fuli bought a luxury high-rise Mid-Levels apartment in Hong Kong for HK$11.1 million ($1.41 million).

Second quarter of 2010：: Zong Fuli formally expatriated (renounced U.S. citizenship) according to IRS records.

March 2013：: Zong Qinghou publicly denied having any foreign nationality or green card and addressed his daughter’s status at the National People’s Congress.