On June 10, 2021, the National People’s Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China announced that China just adopted an anti-foreign sanctions law in the closing meeting of NPC’s Standing Committee session, in an effort to counter unilateral sanctions imposed upon China by “the hegemonism and power politics of some Western countries,” according to one of China’s top legislators. More specifically, the law is intended to safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests, including the legitimate rights of Chinese citizens and businesses.
The law authorizes retaliatory sanctions against entities and individuals who seriously interfere in the PRC’s internal affairs by utilizing three restrictions: 1) a ban on access to China, including deportation if applicable; 2) a freeze on assets in China; and 3) a ban on transactions with domestic organizations or individuals, as well as “other necessary measures” that may be appropriate.