China will take necessary measures if a US bill introducing new anti-Russian sanctions that affect buyers of Russian energy becomes law, Chinese Embassy in Washington spokesman Liu Chang told RIA Novosti.

Beijing firmly opposes unilateral restrictions that are not based on international law and have not been approved by the UN Security Council, Liu said. China, he added, will defend the legitimate rights of its companies and citizens.

The Chinese Embassy also believes the proposed restrictions could ultimately hurt the United States itself. According to Liu, the use of double standards, coercion and pressure will eventually backfire on those who resort to such methods.

The diplomat was commenting on a bill overwhelmingly backed by the US Senate on Friday, August 7. The legislation was drafted with the participation of the late Senator Lindsey Graham*.

The proposal calls for 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian energy resources. It also provides for 500% tariffs on all imports from Russia into the United States.

The bill was sent to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, August 11. Lawmakers will not be able to consider it until September, as the House remains in recess through August 31.

If both chambers of Congress approve the legislation, it will be sent to US President Donald Trump for his signature.

*Included by Rosfinmonitoring on its list of terrorists and extremists.