In response to his outspoken criticism of its human rights record, China has imposed sanctions on U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA). McGovern, who is the top Democrat on the House Committee on Rules and co-chairs the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, has been a persistent advocate for addressing abuses in China.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the sanctions, which include freezing McGovern’s assets and properties in China, prohibiting Chinese entities from doing business with him, and denying him and his family visas to enter the country. While largely symbolic, these measures demonstrate China’s dissatisfaction with McGovern’s consistent advocacy.
McGovern dismissed the sanctions as absurd and wore them as a badge of honor. “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 posted on the X social media platform. He called for an end to China’s oppression in Tibet, genocide in Xinjiang, and crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong.
China has previously sanctioned other U.S. lawmakers for their criticism. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and former Rep. Michael Gallagher faced sanctions over their support for Taiwan. In 2020, Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) were similarly sanctioned for their vocal opposition to China’s policies.
In addition to his role in the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, McGovern, along with McCaul and two senators, introduced legislation to increase U.S. support for Tibet. This bill, signed into law by President Joe Biden in July, aims to address human rights abuses and promote greater autonomy for Tibetans.
The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over human rights are reflected in these sanctions. Both countries continue to stand firm in their positions, with China resisting international pressure to improve its human rights practices.
