China Prioritizes Anti-Foreign Legislation

Guards outside the Chinese parliament building in the Tiananmen area, Beijing, at the opening of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Assembly (CPPCC), Saturday (4/3/2023). ANTARA/M. Irfan Ilmie

JAKARTA - The National People's Congress of China (NPC) has included several priority plans for legislation for the next five years, especially in the face of foreign pressure.

"The legislation plan for the next five years is being drafted. The main priority is legislation related to foreign affairs", said Wang Chao, spokesman for the 14th Standing Committee of the NPC in Beijing, reported by ANTARA, Saturday, March 4.

The anti-foreigner law was prioritized as a form of China's resistance to "long-arm jurisdiction" imposed by the United States and other European countries.

"Some countries continue to abuse their domestic implementation of extra-territorial laws which violate international norms to pressure foreign entities and individuals to serve their own interests. China firmly opposes such practices", he told a press briefing held a day ahead of the Parliament Session. Two Sessions.

In 2022, the NPC as China's highest legislature announced a draft law on foreign affairs drawn up to counteract restrictive measures from foreign parties.

"To counter suppression and interference in its internal affairs, China has introduced several laws and regulations, including the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Bill to counteract the wrong application of foreign laws and acts", Wang said.

According to him, China firmly rejects violations because sovereignty and territorial integrity cannot be contested by any country.

"China introduced it to promulgation so that it can resolutely fight against actions that undermine China's sovereignty, security and development interests and harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens", he said.

The NPC session will be opened at the Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on Sunday (5/3) morning, as one of a series of two-session parliament sessions.

At the same place, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Assembly (CPPCC) session opened on Saturday afternoon with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang, NPC National Committee Chairman Li Zhanshu, CPPCC Standing Committee Chairman Wang Yang and 2,130 CPPCC members attending.