New China law counters international law sanctions

The measure, backed by Hong Kong, stands against “unilateral coercive” sanctions by the international community.

The Hong Kong government is in support of the Anti-sanction Law that will counter-sanctions imposed by the international community.

The law, introduced in China, has already been passed by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

It will serve as a countermeasure against “unilateral coercive” measures imposed by foreign states, which China asserted as prohibited under international law.

“It is these foreign states that impose unilateral coercive measures that should be condemned and it is they that the international community should be concerned about,” Justice Secretary Teresa Cheng said.

“At this point, one cannot help but recall the treacherous and despicable acts by certain anti-China disruptors who relentlessly and shamefully seek foreign states to impose sanctions against China including Hong Kong.”

Secretary Cheng also explained the new law will provide a legal basis for the countermeasures and supplement the legal toolbox against interference and long-arm jurisdiction of foreign states.

She also raised the principle of non-intervention in international law, citing the United Nations (UN).

The UN General Assembly had adopted in 1970 the “Declaration on Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Co-operation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.”

It was provided that no state or group of states has the right to “intervene” either directly or indirectly in the internal and external affairs of other state. She added the declaration was reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice in 1986.