China threatens to take 'necessary measures' over U.S. sanctions

Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Beijing is threatening to take "necessary measures" against the United States over the Biden administration's sanctioning last week of dozens of Chinese companies over their alleged support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine .

In a statement on Sunday, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce said Beijing "firmly opposes" the United States inclusion of Chinese entities and companies on the export control list.

"The U.S. actions are typical examples of unilateral sanctions and 'long-arm jurisdiction,' which undermine international trade order and rules, hinder normal international economic and trade exchanges and affect the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains," the spokesman said.

"China urges the U.S. to immediately stop its erroneous practices and will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises."

The Biden administration on Friday announced it was adding 123 entities, including 42 in China, to its export control list for shipping U.S.-origin and U.S.-branded items to Russia.

U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security officials described the entities as shell companies and transhippers that have profited by aiding Russia's war against Ukraine, which began Feb. 24, 2022.

"The fact that nearly half of these parties are located in countries outside Russia should serve as a stark reminder: it doesn't matter whether you're in the People's Republic of China or Türkiye -- if you send Common High Priority List items (or a range of other items) to Russia, you risk being added to the BIS Entity List," Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement Matthew Axelrod said in a statement .

The Friday move by the Commerce Department coincided with the U.S. Treasury and State hitting nearly 400 people and entities in Russia and other nations, including China, with sanctions.

It also came after the Biden administration in February added 93 entities, including eight in China, to the export entity list.

Since Russia's invasion, more than 1,056 entities have been added to the Entity List in response of the war.