CONGRESSMAN MCCAUL SANCTIONED BY CHINESE GOVERNMENT

  

China has announced sanctions against U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul after his recent visit to Taiwan.

The Chinese government says that McCaul violated the “One China” principle that claims Beijing has sovereignty over the island.

In a statement given to the Associated Press by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the sanctions against Rep. McCaul include freezing his assets and properties in China, prohibiting any organization or individual in China from conducting transactions or working with him, and denying him a visa to enter the country.

McCaul visited Taiwan from April 6-8 to discuss weapons deals between the U.S. and Taiwan.

McCaul said in a statement, “Being sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party is a badge of honor.” He added, “Nothing will deter the United States from supporting free, democratic nations — including Taiwan.”

McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has been advocating for a hard-line stance against China and closer ties with Taiwan.