China Sanctions Rep. McGovern For Criticizing Human Rights Violations

China has imposed sanctions on Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), accusing him of “frequently interfering” in its domestic affairs. McGovern, who co-chairs the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and is a prominent member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, has been a vocal critic of China’s human rights record.

The sanctions are largely symbolic, as McGovern has no assets or business dealings in China. The measures include freezing his assets and properties in China, prohibiting Chinese organizations and individuals from engaging with him, and denying him and his family visas to enter the country. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced these actions as a response to McGovern’s consistent criticism.

In reaction, McGovern dismissed the sanctions as absurd and expressed 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,” McGovern wrote on the X social media platform. He urged China to end its oppression of Tibetans, genocide in Xinjiang, and crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong.

This is not the first time China has sanctioned U.S. lawmakers. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and former Rep. Michael Gallagher were also sanctioned for their support of Taiwan. Additionally, in 2020, China sanctioned Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) for similar reasons.

McGovern has been a staunch advocate for human rights in China. Along with McCaul and two senators, he introduced legislation calling for stronger U.S. support for Tibet, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in July.

China’s move to sanction McGovern underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over human rights issues, with both sides showing no signs of backing down from their respective positions.