China has always opposed unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction without the international law basis and the U.N. Security Council mandate, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday.
China's Foreign Ministry announced countermeasures on Wednesday to sanction 12 U.S. defense industry companies, in response to sanctions against Chinese companies.
"China has always opposed unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or mandate from the U.N. Security Council. We will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard our legitimate and lawful rights and interests. China urges the U.S. side to reflect deeply, face up to its responsibility for the outbreak and escalation of the Ukraine crisis, stop smearing and pressuring [other countries], and stop arbitrarily imposing illegal unilateral sanctions," said Mao.
In response to a question about whether this is China's response to the U.S. officials' participation in the so-called "inauguration ceremony" of the leader of the Taiwan region, Mao said no country should ever dream of crossing the red line on the Taiwan question without paying a price.
"The Taiwan question is the very core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in the China-U.S. relationship. No country, organization or individual should ever underestimate the firm resolve, strong will and great capability of the Chinese government and people to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and should ever dream of crossing the red line on the Taiwan question without paying a price," said the spokeswoman.
China urges US to stop arbitrary, illegal unilateral sanctions: spokeswoman
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
