China has come out against new sanctions imposed against North Korea, calling them unhelpful measures that worsen confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.

The remarks came as the U.S. designated six North Korean nationals, one Russian national and a Russian firm for working in support of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile-related programs.

“China is always opposed to any country’s unilateral sanctions and so-called long-arm jurisdiction on other countries based on domestic law,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a press briefing on Thursday. 

“Willful sanctions do not help resolve the Korean Peninsula issue, but