US sanctions unpopular, have little support among public

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The so-called "sanctions" imposed by the United States on vice chairpersons of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee are unpopular and have little support among the public, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks in response to a question on a senior Chinese legislator's attendance and giving a speech upon invitation at an annual appreciation dinner held by the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China) on Thursday, after he was identified for sanctions by the United States.

"The Chinese side has stated our solemn position and announced countermeasures. The situation just serves to show how unpopular the U.S. sanctions are and how little support they have among the public," Hua said.

Hua said that in his speech, Wang Chen, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, reiterated China's consistent position to deepen reform and opening-up, and support exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States in various areas including trade.

Hua commended AmCham China and its members who have set roots in China and worked to advance trade cooperation.

"As China opens its doors wider, foreign companies, including American ones, will surely see greater space for development," said Hua, adding that the bilateral trade cooperation will surely have brighter prospects.

This serves the interests of China, the United States and the whole world, Hua said.