China criticizes Canada's sanctions as a violation of international law

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Canada’s recent sanctions against several Chinese companies, arguing that such unilateral measures violate international law as they lack approval from the United Nations Security Council.

Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed Canada's decision, which accused the companies of engaging in defence-related cooperation with Russia, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

"China has consistently opposed the imposition of unilateral sanctions that lack the endorsement of the UN Security Council and are not grounded in international law," Lin remarked.

Note that, Canada imposed sanctions on China under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to ongoing human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet, and against Falun Gong practitioners.

The Special Economic Measures (People's Republic of China) Regulations, effective from March 21, 2021, enforce a ban on dealings with listed individuals and entities, freezing assets and prohibiting financial services or trade. Exceptions exist for specific transactions such as pension payments or legal services.

In December 2024, eight additional individuals were added to the list, including senior Chinese officials involved in repression and forced labour. The sanctions are part of Canada’s efforts to address systematic human rights abuses, including mass detention, torture, and surveillance. The individuals targeted are also barred from entering Canada.

In responce, China has imposed countermeasures against two Canadian organisations and 20 individuals linked to matters in its Xinjiang Uygur and Xizang autonomous regions, the Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

Effective from Saturday, the measures involve freezing all assets, both movable and immovable, belonging to the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and the Canada-Tibet Committee, along with their staff. The decision also prohibits any transactions, cooperation, or activities between entities within China and the affected organisations and individuals.

In addition, China has denied visas to the 20 individuals, barring them from entry into the country, including Hong Kong and Macao.

By Aghakazim Guliyev