China opposes EU's proposed sanctions against banks without legal basis: FM

(ECNS) -- China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks in response to the EU's proposed sanctions against two small Chinese banks for so-called helping Russia get around the bloc's trade restrictions.

"Most countries, including those in Europe and the United States, continue to trade with Russia. The normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies are consistent with WTO rules and market principles. They do not target any third party and should not be disrupted or affected," Lin said.

(By Zhang Dongfang)