China firmly opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council, said a foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday.

Photo: Chinese foreign ministry

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a regular news conference in response to a question about the US Treasury Department's announcement of sanctions on nine individuals and entities from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong on the grounds that they allegedly helped Iran purchase military supplies.

China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens, said Lin.