China says legislation on anti-foreign sanctions 'justifiable and necessary'

China's legislation on anti-foreign sanctions is "justifiable and necessary" in order to uphold its sovereignty, security and development interests, said Wang Chao, the spokesman of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress, at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.

Wang said such legislation came after some countries kept abusing the extra territorial application of their domestic laws in violation of the international law with the aim of taking down foreign entities and individuals and serving their own interests, which were widely dubbed by the international community as "long-arm jurisdiction".

China stands firmly against such practices, and it has introduced a number of laws and regulations to counter the containment, suppression and interference in its internal affairs, including the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, he said.

"China's core interests allow no infringement and its sovereignty and territorial integrity brook no violation. For acts that undermine China's sovereignty, security and development interests and harm the lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals, it is both justifiable and necessary to make the law to firmly counter such act," Wang said.

In the new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects, he said, China also has unwavering commitment reform and opening-up while advancing the rule of law in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interest.

The NPC and its standing committee attach equal importance to enhancing the legal system with regards to opening up, he added.