China escalates tensions with blocking statute aimed at U.S. sanctions regime

The Chinese government has responded to a litany of U.S. restrictions imposed by the Trump administration by releasing a blocking statute that will allow Chinese companies to seek civil damages from companies abiding by restrictions Beijing deems unfair. China’s Ministry of Commerce on Jan. 9 published its first order of the year, “Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extra-territorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures.” The rules are similar to blocking statutes in other jurisdictions -- including the EU, Canada and...