China sanctions former US Rep. Gallagher for Taiwan support

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (中國外交部) announced sanctions against former U.S. Congressman Mike Gallagher on Tuesday (May 21), citing his "interference in China's internal affairs."

Gallagher, a staunch supporter of Taiwan and the former chair of The Select Committee on the CCP (中國問題特別委員會), has been a vocal critic of China's policies.

The sanctions against Gallagher include an entry ban, the freezing of his assets within China, and a prohibition on Chinese organizations and individuals from conducting transactions or cooperating with him.

This move comes after Gallagher's visit to Taiwan in February, where he met with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), praising Tsai as a "leader of the free world."

Gallagher responded to the sanctions through a statement released by the Hudson Institute (哈德遜研究所), criticizing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for being "perpetually paranoid" and urging continued exposure of the CCP's oppressive and aggressive actions.

Gallagher emphasized that the sanctions imposed by China cannot be morally equated with those of the United States, highlighting a fundamental difference in values between the two nations. He expressed his anticipation of visiting Taiwan again in the near future.

The Hudson Institute noted that Gallagher does not possess any assets in China, rendering part of China's sanctions symbolic. Gallagher's unwavering support for Taiwan and his critique of the CCP's actions underscore the ongoing tensions between China, the U.S., and Taiwan, with implications for future diplomatic relations.