China passes ‘Foreign Relations Law’

The adopted law is among the regulations approved by the Standing Committee of the Legislature of the National People’s Congress at the three-day meeting that ended yesterday.

The law, which will take effect on July 1, gives the Chinese government the right to impose sanctions and countermeasures against attempts by foreign countries to impose sanctions and interfere in its internal affairs.

In the law, it was emphasized that China will conduct its foreign relations under the guidance of President Xi Jinping’s idea of ​​”Socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era”, “pursue an independent and peaceful foreign policy” and “oppose the hegemony “. and power politics in international relations.

RELATIONSHIPS WILL DEVELOP

In the law, which included the mission and objectives in foreign relations, it was stated that China would “promote interaction with major countries”, “develop its relations with neighboring countries in accordance with the principles of friendship, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusion”. and “strengthen solidarity with developing countries.”

It was established in the law that China will embrace multilateralism and participate in the reform and construction of the global governance system, while continuing to open up to a “high standard”, promoting foreign investment and foreign economic cooperation.

Emphasizing that China respects the sovereignty of all countries, the law included a commitment not to interfere in the internal affairs of countries receiving foreign aid and not to make a political condition for aid.

“IMPORTANT KEY STONE”

China’s highest-ranking diplomat, Vang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Foreign Relations Commission of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), published a review in the party’s official publication, “People’s Daily.”

Noting that for the first time, China has recorded the general policies, principles and systems that shape its foreign relations in a basic law, Vang said, “This is an important milestone in building the rule of law in the foreign relations of China”. he used the phrase.

Vang argued that the law would respond to China’s need to protect its sovereignty, security and development interests at a time of increased uncertainty and unpredictability.

Recalling that foreign governments have frequently resorted to investment and restrictive measures, without naming any country, Wang stressed that the new law will provide a basis for China’s right to resist foreign sanctions and intervention.

US INVESTMENTS IN CHINA

In recent years, the United States has made sanctions decisions against Chinese officials, companies, and individuals for reasons such as national security threats, human rights violations, military ties to Russia, and ties to the production of the synthetic opium fetanyl.

Washington has also imposed export controls and restrictions on Chinese manufacturers in areas such as advanced technologies and semiconductor manufacturing.

While China condemned the sanctions and measures in question, it accused the United States of trying to suppress China’s development.

The Beijing administration had previously enacted the Foreign Sanctions Counteract Law in 2021, and in some cases announced countermeasures based on this law. (AA)