China has sanctioned U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) in retaliation for his persistent criticism of its human rights abuses. McGovern, a key member of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China and co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, has been a vocal advocate for the oppressed in China.
The sanctions, announced by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, involve freezing McGovern’s assets in China, barring Chinese organizations from conducting transactions with him, and denying him and his family visas to enter the country. Although McGovern has no known assets or business dealings in China, these sanctions symbolize China’s displeasure with his advocacy.
Responding to the sanctions, McGovern called them 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 oppressive actions in Tibet, genocide in Xinjiang, and suppression of democracy in Hong Kong.
China has a history of sanctioning U.S. lawmakers critical of its policies. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and former Rep. Michael Gallagher were sanctioned for their support of Taiwan. In 2020, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) also faced sanctions for their condemnation of China’s actions.
McGovern, alongside McCaul and two senators, introduced a bill last year to bolster U.S. support for Tibet. President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law in July, aiming to address human rights violations and promote autonomy in the region.
These sanctions highlight the deepening conflict between the U.S. and China over human rights issues. Both nations remain entrenched in their positions, with China showing no signs of bowing to international pressure for reform.
