China punishes former Rep Mike Gallagher for supporting Taiwan president inauguration.
The Chinese foreign ministry recently imposed sanctions against former Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin. These sanctions came just after Taiwan swore in a new president, escalating tensions between China and the United States.
Gallagher, who left Congress early last month, has now been barred from entering China. The Chinese foreign ministry accused him of interfering in China’s internal affairs, resulting in the freezing of his assets in the country and a ban on any organizations or individuals from collaborating with him.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also criticized U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for congratulating Taiwan’s new President, Lai Ching-te. The Ministry claimed that Blinken’s actions violated the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining only unofficial relations with Taiwan.
In February, Gallagher led a U.S. congressional delegation to Taiwan, where he met with both the then-President Tsai Ing-wen and her successor, Lai. During the trip, Gallagher emphasized bipartisan support for Taiwan and praised its leadership in defending freedom against authoritarian aggression.
After leaving Congress, Gallagher joined the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C., as a distinguished fellow. At an event, he highlighted China’s role in the fentanyl trade in the U.S. and stressed the importance of strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
President Lai, in his inaugural speech, expressed a desire for peace with China but urged Beijing to halt its military threats and intimidation towards Taiwan. He emphasized that while Taiwan seeks peace, it will defend itself against any threats or attempts at infiltration from China.
However, the Chinese office in charge of Taiwan affairs criticized Lai’s speech, accusing him of promoting separatism and relying on foreign forces for independence. China reiterated its stance of opposing any form of Taiwan independence activities and emphasized its commitment to eventual reunification.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce also announced sanctions against Boeing and two other defense companies for their arms sales to Taiwan.
Taiwan’s new president, Lai, succeeds Tsai Ing-wen, who navigated Taiwan through economic development and handled the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s military threats during her two terms in office.
