China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies: FM spokesperson

(ECNS) -- China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies, said Mao Ning, the spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a press conference on Thursday.

"The G7 member states are said to be discussing whether to sanction companies in China for what they believe to be providing Russia with parts and technology that have military purposes. This is according to people familiar with the matter. That plan also may include moves against Iranian and North Korean companies. What's the foreign ministry's response to the G7 members planning to sanction Chinese companies in relation to their activities with Russia?" asked a reporter.

The spokesperson replied that China's position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear.

"We have upheld the four principles and called for joint efforts in four areas as was proposed by President Xi Jinping, taken an objective and just position, made active efforts to promote peace talks, and played a constructive role in alleviating tensions. We always oppose unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction with neither basis in international law nor a mandate of the UN Security Council," she said.