China has sanctioned U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) for his outspoken criticism of China’s human rights record. McGovern, who serves as the top Democrat on the House Committee on Rules and co-chairs the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, has been a vocal advocate against China’s policies in regions like Xinjiang and Tibet.
The sanctions, announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, freeze McGovern’s assets and properties in China, prohibit Chinese entities from engaging with him, and deny him and his family visas to enter the country. Despite their symbolic nature, these sanctions highlight China’s displeasure with McGovern’s consistent advocacy for human rights.
McGovern responded defiantly, calling the sanctions absurd and expressing 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 address its oppressive actions in Tibet, the genocide in Xinjiang, and the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong.
This is not the first instance of China sanctioning U.S. lawmakers. Previously, China sanctioned Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and former Rep. Michael Gallagher over their support for Taiwan. In 2020, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) were also sanctioned for similar reasons.
McGovern and McCaul, along with two senators, recently introduced legislation to increase U.S. support for Tibet, which President Joe Biden signed into law in July. This law aims to address the human rights abuses in the region and promote greater autonomy for Tibetans.
The sanctions against McGovern underscore the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China regarding human rights. Both nations remain steadfast in their respective positions, with China continuing to resist international pressure to improve its human rights record.
