New Foreign Relations Law Takes Effect

The law, which took effect on July 1, for the first time clarifies China’s major principles and institutions for dealing with foreign affairs as well as rules for developing foreign relations. 　

The law states that China will keep safeguarding socialism with Chinese characteristics and will firmly protect China’s sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity. The law stresses that China engages in safeguarding and implementing multilateralism by promoting coordination and cooperation with major countries and strengthening relationships with neighboring and developing countries. 　

It is noted that the law demands to strengthen the implementation of laws and regulations related to foreign affairs, saying China “has the right to take, as called for, measures to counter or take restrictive measures against acts that endanger its sovereignty, security and development interests in violation of international law or fundamental norms governing international relations.” 　

“The law provides a legal basis for China to exercise its legitimate rights to counter sanctions and interference,” Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, wrote in Party paper the People’s Daily on June 29. “It is also conducive to firmly and effectively safeguarding national interests through the rule of law and to better upholding international fairness and justice,” he added.