China opposes the European Union's "mandatory and unilateral" legislation of a carbon emissions tax on airlines, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Thursday.

China has made clear its stance on this issue and has expressed its concern to the EU via bilateral channels, said spokesman Liu Weimin at a daily press conference.

Many countries oppose the EU's move, and China hopes the EU will act with caution and settle the issue in a positive and pragmatic way through sound consultation with relevant countries, Liu said.

(Source: Xinhua)