China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions with no basis in int'l law: foreign ministry

BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the new legislation by the United States on sanctions against Russia, which has been spearheaded by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. It would target the top five buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, including China.

Lin said that China will take necessary measures to firmly defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses and citizens.

"Practicing double standards and resorting to coercion and pressuring will eventually prove to be self-defeating," Lin added.