Vice-Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Monday summoned Nicolas Chapuis, the envoy of the European Union to China, to protest and denounce the EU's decision to impose unilateral sanctions on China over the so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang.

On behalf of the Chinese government, Qin also declared China's countermeasures to the EU decision.

He noted that the EU's sanctions on China were based on lies and false information and go against facts, the law and reason.

The EU is not entitled to lecture China on human rights, and China urges the EU side to realize the severity of its mistake, halt the confrontation and avoid further damage to bilateral relations, he said.

Qin added that Beijing is firmly determined and resolved to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests.