China's domestically developed large amphibious aircraft AG600 makes its first sea-based test flight from sea waters off Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province on July 26, 2020. Photo: Courtesy of AVIC

China firmly opposes US wanton suppression of Chinese companies and the US actions violate the principle of market competition as well as international economic and trade rules, and harm the interests and image of the US, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Monday.

Zhao made the remarks at a routine press conference in response to a question about a Reuters report which said the Trump administration is close to declaring that 89 Chinese aerospace and other companies have military ties, restricting them from buying a range of US goods and technology, citing a draft copy of the list seen by Reuters.

The list, if published, could further escalate trade tensions with Beijing and hurt US companies that sell civil aviation parts and components to China, among other industries, Reuters said.

Zhao urged the US to stop generalizing "national security" and suppressing foreign companies. 

Chinese companies always adhere to legal operations, and in international business they also strictly abide by the laws of where they operate, including those of the US, Zhao stressed. 

Reuters claimed it had seen a draft copy of the list.

Commercial Aircraft Corp of China Ltd, Aviation Industry Corporation of China and 10 of its related entities are on the list, according to Reuters. 

Global Times