OREANDA-NEWS. China believes, that the case of Alexei Navalny is exclusively an internal matter of Russia, and external interference is unacceptable, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Wednesday, March 3.

«We have repeatedly stated China's position. The Navalny case is exclusively an internal matter of Russia, external forces have no right to interfere», the diplomat said.

Wang Wenbin expressed the hope, that the countries concerned, through consultation and dialogue, will be able to resolve differences and improve mutual understanding, instead of resorting to the use or threats of unilateral sanctions at any opportunity.

The European Union on Tuesday imposed sanctions for the first time under a new global regime for human rights violations against four Russian citizens for the arrest of Alexei Navalny. The US, following the EU, announced the introduction of sanctions against the Russian Federation. The list includes 14 organizations with the wording «for the production of biological and chemical weapons». In addition, the US sanctions are aimed at specific individuals and organizations, and will include export and visa restrictions.

Later, the Russian Foreign Ministry called the decision taken by Washington a «triumph of the absurd» and a hostile attack, that will not affect Moscow's policy.