US using security concerns to harm Chinese companies, NPC spokesman says

It is neither fair nor ethical for US government officials to play up so-called security risks associated with Chinese companies and linking them to China's National Intelligence Law, Zhang Yesui, spokesman for the National People's Congress said at a press conference on Monday in Beijing.

This kind of behavior was interrupting economic activities with political means and violated World Trade Organization rules and damaged fair competition, he said.

"This is typical double standards," he said.

The purpose of China's National Intelligence Law, Zhang said, is not to undermine other countries' security interests, but to strengthen and safeguard national security.

It is an internationally accepted practice to protect national security through legislation and there are similar laws in the United States and Europe, he said, adding that China has learnt from the practice of other countries during the legislative process for this law.

He also said that the Chinese government has repeatedly expressed its hope that countries should abide by fair competition and provide a non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.