China urged the European Union to withdraw its illegal sanctions targeting China on Wednesday, vowing to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks after the EU proposed its 21st package of sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis on Tuesday, targeting financial institutions, energy networks, military supply chains, and companies in several countries, including India and China.

Beijing has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to illegal and unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council, Lin told a daily news conference.

China has lodged stern representations with the EU on many occasions, urging the bloc to correct its mistaken actions, Lin said, adding that the country will closely follow related developments.