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15:18 GMT
TOKYO, May 9 (KUNA) -- China said on Thursday it strongly opposes the recent U.S. sanctions applied to 20 Chinese companies for allegedly supporting Russia's military-industrial and energy development, official Xinhua News Agency reported.
"China always opposes unilateral sanctions that lack the basis of international law and the authorization of the UN Security Council," Ministry of Commerce Spokesman He Yadong was quoted as saying at a press briefing in Beijing.
It is "a typical act of bullying and economic coercion" that the US side has imposed sanctions on Chinese firms for so-called Russian involvement while at the same time maintaining trade with Moscow in Washington's own interests, he said.
"The US side should immediately stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies," He said, adding that China will take necessary measures to unswervingly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
Earlier this month, the US Treasury Department imposed nearly 300 new sanctions on entities that provide so-called support to Russia's military-industrial base, including more than 20 Chinese mainland and Hong Kong companies, according to its press release. (end)
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