The Ministry of Commerce Photo: VCG

The US' latest sanctions on Chinese entities and individuals for alleged involvement in Iran's missile and military programs "lacks factual basis and due process", China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson said on Monday, urging the US to cease its unjustifiable suppression of both Chinese companies and individuals.

The US Treasury Department recently announced sanctioning on seven individuals and six entities in Iran, Chinese mainland and China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in the alleged connection with Iran's ballistic missile program, according to the US state department's website.

In responding to the latest move, a MOFCOM spokesperson said on Monday that the US has imposed sanctions on certain Chinese companies and individuals by including them on the "entity list" under the pretext of alleged involvement with Iran, and, China strongly opposed the US move.

The US approach lacks factual evidence and proper procedures, causing harm to the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals, the spokesperson said, while urging the US to cease its unjustifiable suppression of Chinese companies and individuals.

"China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its companies and individuals," the spokesperson said.

The latest sanction is part of a series of US moves aimed at hyping up security issues with groundless accusations in its attempt to suppress Chinese companies and citizens.

Recently, the US Treasury Department sanctioned 13 China-based entities and individuals, citing their alleged involvement in the international proliferation of equipment used to produce illicit drugs.

The Chinese Embassy in the US condemned the US' unreasonable sanctions, stressing that the Chinese government takes a firm stance on counter-narcotics.

Global Times