China has urged the United States to reverse sanctions imposed on two Chinese companies over their alleged links to Cuba, warning that it reserves the right to take “necessary measures” to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
Beijing “firmly opposes US unilateral sanctions on Chinese enterprises as the move violates international law and the basic norms of international relations”, the commerce ministry said on Saturday, according to Xinhua news agency.
The US Department of State on Thursday imposed sanctions on eight entities and two individuals and identified five vessels as blocked property, saying the measures aimed to end what it described as the Cuban government's “malign activities” in Cuba and across the Americas.
The sanctioned entities included two Chinese companies, China National Electronic Import and Export Company (CEIEC) and Beijing H&C Technologies Co. Ltd., which Washington accused of supplying components and equipment to the Cuban armed forces.
‘Necessary measures’
“In recent days, the US side has escalated sanctions and suppression against China and introduced multiple discriminatory restrictions, which have seriously harmed the rights and interests of Chinese enterprises,” the ministry said.
It added that the measures deviated from agreements reached by the two countries' leaders and undermined the stability of China-US economic and trade relations.
Beijing called on Washington “to correct its wrongdoings as soon as possible” and said it reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
