China sanctions US lawmaker over Tibet ‘interference’
by AFP Staff Writers
Beijing (AFP) July 31, 2024
China sanctioned US lawmaker Jim McGovern on Wednesday for “interference” over his support for Tibetans.
The US Congress adopted a bipartisan law last month that strengthens support for Tibet, where China is accused of human rights abuses.
McGovern, a Democrat, was one of the authors of the bill.
The foreign ministry in Beijing said McGovern has “frequently interfered in China’s internal affairs in recent years”.
Announcing sanctions, the ministry accused the lawmaker of “an attack on sovereignty, security and interests” of China.
The measures imposed Wednesday ban McGovern and his family from China, as well as allowing a freeze on any assets he has there.
Beijing imposes strict control on access to Tibet, a Himalayan region which it considers an inalienable part of its territory.
China took control of Tibet in 1951 before the Dalai Lama fled into exile in 1959.
Tibet had previously been largely autonomous, following the fall of the Qing dynasty which lasted three centuries.
The text adopted by the US Congress encouraged Beijing to restart talks with Tibetan leaders, which were severed in 2010.
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