Sanctions Should Not be Imposed Unilaterally - Chinese Foreign Ministry

All disputes between states should be resolved without unilateral moves such as imposing sanctions, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lu Kang said Friday, commenting on the US Senate's approval of a bill on new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea.

BEIJING (Sputnik) — On Thursday, in an overwhelming 98-2 vote, the US Senate passed a new version of a bill that would impose sweeping sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea and limit US President Donald Trump’s ability to lift the restrictions on Moscow.

"We have payed attention to these events, taking into account the reactions of Russia, Germany, France and other EU states," Lu said at a regular press conference, adding that the Chinese side had always been convinced that all kinds of discord between states must be resolved through amicable talks.

"China opposes any imposition of unilateral sanctions," Lu said.

Before being approved by the US Senate, the new batch of US sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea was passed by the House of Representatives in a 419-3 vote. Currently the bill is waiting President Donald Trump's approval, who may either sign or veto it.