China has sanctioned U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) for his outspoken criticism of its human rights practices. McGovern, who co-chairs the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and serves on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, has long condemned China’s treatment of ethnic minorities and political dissidents.
The sanctions, though largely symbolic due to McGovern’s lack of assets or business dealings in China, include freezing his assets in China, barring Chinese entities from working with him, and denying him and his family entry visas. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced these measures, accusing McGovern of “frequently interfering” in China’s internal matters.
McGovern responded to the sanctions by calling them absurd and expressed his pride in being targeted. “If (Chinese) leaders don’t like it when people speak out against their horrific human rights record, maybe they should improve their horrific human rights record,” he posted on the X social media platform. He urged China to end its oppression in Tibet, genocide in Xinjiang, and suppression of democracy in Hong Kong.
This is not an isolated incident. China has previously sanctioned U.S. lawmakers, including Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and former Rep. Michael Gallagher, for their support of Taiwan. In 2020, China sanctioned Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) for their criticisms of China’s policies.
McGovern, alongside McCaul and two senators, introduced legislation last year to bolster U.S. support for Tibet. The bill, which addresses human rights concerns in the region, was signed into law by President Joe Biden in July.
The sanctions against McGovern highlight the ongoing tension between the U.S. and China over human rights issues. Both nations continue to clash over their respective stances, with no indication of a resolution in sight.
