China firmly opposes US "wrongful detention" blacklist plan: spokesman

China firmly opposes U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to blacklist countries that allegedly detain Americans "unjustly," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.

Lin made the remarks in response to a media query about the issue, saying China might be on the list.

"The remarks of certain individuals in the United States are completely confusing right and wrong and out of ulterior motives. China firmly opposes it. China is a country governed by the rule of law, and there is absolutely no question of so-called wrongful detention," he said.

"As is known to all, wrongful detention, arbitrary detention, coercive diplomacy, long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions are all the monopolies of the United States. I want to stress that China, as always, welcomes citizens and enterprises from all countries to visit and conduct business in China, and will guarantee their safety and legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law," said Lin.

A powerful winter storm swept through Toronto and surrounding areas on Thursday, causing school closures and travel delays as heavy snowfall reduced visibility and affected transportation services.

Meteorological authorities warned that heavy snowfall would greatly reduce visibility, while local transportation officials reported that several roads had been completely closed and major surface transit routes were operating at reduced speeds due to the storm.

Toronto Pearson International Airport officials announced Thursday that air traffic control measures had been implemented due to severe weather, affecting several inbound and outbound flights. Meanwhile, several local school boards in Toronto fully suspended classes, while others enacted partial closures in response to the storm.