London (People's Daily) - UK sanctions against Chinese companies constitute a violation of international law, abuse of unilateral sanctions and damages to the legitimate rights and interests of the companies, according to a statement released Thursday on the official website of Chinese Embassy in London.

File photo: CFP

The UK government Wednesday announced 44 sanctions on people and groups including Asia Pacific Links Limited, Sinno Electronics Company and Xinghua Company.

In an online response attributed to an unnamed spokesperson, the embassy said, “We firmly oppose such action and have lodged stern representations with the UK side.”

China has always upheld an objective and fair stance, and has been actively working for peace talks and political settlement, the statement reads.

“However, the UK government, ignoring the public opinion at home and in the world, has continued to add fuel to the fire,” it reads. “This has contributed to the protracted war and the loss of lives, making peace even more elusive.

“Instead of reflecting on its own vile behavior, the UK has made excuses to sanction entities in China and other countries.”

This fully exposed “the hypocrisy on the part of the UK itself,” according to the embassy statement.

“We urge the UK government to immediately rectify its wrongdoing and revoke sanctions against Chinese companies,” it reads. “The Chinese government will take firm and strong measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

“The UK side must know that any action that harms China's interests will be met with our firm response.”