BEIJING: China on Thursday passed a new law to counter foreign sanctions, as it looks to build its defences against rising US and EU pressure over trade and “human rights”.

Beijing has accused the United States of suppressing Chinese firms and issued ‘’veiled threats’’ of retaliation after President Joe Biden last week expanded a blacklist of companies in which Americans are not allowed to invest.

Countermeasures in the Chinese law include "refusal to issue visas, denial of entry, deportation... and sealing, seizing, and freezing property of individuals or businesses that adhere to foreign sanctions against Chinese businesses or officials," according to the text published by the standing committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

The restrictions can apply to family members of individuals who fall foul of Beijing.

The law also allows the country's courts to punish companies that comply with foreign laws, and says that businesses or people in China do not need to comply with foreign restrictions.