BEIJING: China on Saturday introduced new rules to counter “unjustified” laws and measures that other countries might apply to its companies and citizens, as tensions with the United States worsen.

The rules aim at “protecting the legitimate rights and interests” of Chinese people and companies, and safeguarding the country’s interests, said the commerce ministry.

China’s move comes as its firms face increasing pressure abroad, particularly from the US, which has placed restrictions on telecoms giant Huawei, blocking its access to vital American components.

President Donald Trump also issued an order last Novem­ber banning Americans from investing in Chinese firms deemed to be supplying or supporting the Asian country’s military. This month he signed another order to ban transactions involving several apps linked to Chinese companies.

The latest Chinese rules call for the setting up of a working mechanism to counteract “unjustified extra-territorial application of foreign legislation and measures”.

Citizens or organisations are to submit reports to authorities within 30 days when they face restrictions from foreign rules that prevent them engaging in “normal economic, trade and related activities”.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2021