LOC17:48
14:48 GMT
BEIJING, Oct 16 (KUNA) -- China expressed strong dissatisfaction on Thursday with the UK's inclusion of several Chinese port operators and companies on a list of entities subject to sanctions for allegedly supporting the Russian energy sector, noting that it has lodged a formal protest with the British side.
According to China Central Television (CCTV), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press conference that Beijing has always opposed unilateral sanctions that are not based on international law and do not have a mandate from the UN Security Council.
He noted that Beijing is committed to promoting peace talks regarding the Ukrainian crisis, and that normal cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies should not be disrupted or affected, pledging to take the necessary measures to defend China's legitimate rights and interests.
Lin urged London to stop smearing China and misleading public opinion after accusations were made that China threatens economic security, espionage, and hacking of secret government computers by some British officials.
Regarding US President Donald Trump's demand that China stop importing Russian oil, Lin emphasized that energy cooperation between China and countries around the world, including Russia, is legitimate and legal, noting that US practices are a model of unilateral bullying and economic coercion.
He added that they undermine international economic and trade rules and threaten the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, noting that China's position on the Ukrainian crisis has always been objective, fair, transparent, and clear.
He expressed Beijing's opposition to Washington's insistence on assigning blame and imposing illegal unilateral sanctions, vowing to take a firm response to defend its sovereignty, security, development interests, and legitimate rights if they are harmed. (end)
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