"China consistently opposes unilateral illegal sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that lack any basis in international law," the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said at a press briefing on Wednesday.

(Photo: Chinanews.com)

"The senator you mentioned has opposed China at every turn and has absolutely no political integrity," said Zhao Lijian when asked to comment on US Senator Marco Rubio's proposed bill that would impose sanctions on anyone who insures or registers tankers transporting oil or liquefied natural gas from Russia to China.

China and Russia conduct normal economic and trade cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, which is neither directed against any third party nor subject to external interference, said Zhao.