New Law Sets Out China’s Foreign Relations Goals, Response to National Security Threats

China’s top legislature passed a new foreign relations law on Wednesday that sets out the country’s aims and policies in foreign affairs and enshrines its right to impose “counter and restrictive measures” against acts that harm its sovereignty, national security, and development interests.

The Law on Foreign Relations stipulates that China’s foreign relations are conducted under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, along with other ideological doctrines. China will pursue an independent and peaceful foreign policy and oppose “hegemonism and power politics” as well as the use of force or threat of force in international relations.