TEHRAN – China has criticized the United States for imposing sanctions on a number of Chinese companies and individuals over cooperation with Iran. 

China firmly opposes the U.S. Department of the Treasury adding Chinese companies and individuals to the "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List" for so-called connections to Iran's unmanned aerial vehicle and military aircraft development, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has said, according to Chinese media. 

The United States has abused unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, undermined international trade order and rules, obstructed normal international economic and trade exchanges and harmed the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms and individuals, said the spokesperson.

The United States should immediately stop its groundless suppression of Chinese companies and individuals, said the spokesperson, adding that China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

Earlier this month, The U.S. imposed sanctions on seven people and four companies in China, Russia, and Turkey which U.S. alleges are connected with the development of Iran’s drone program.

The new sanctions came amid Western accusations that Iran supplied Russia with drones for use in Ukraine, a claim Iran roundly rejects. 

Iran and China enjoy strong economic ties, with Iran eyeing more Chinese investment in Iran. Hojatollah Abdolmaleki, the secretary of Iran’s Free Zones High Council, recently announced that the country unveiled 850 foreign investment packages in the 23rd China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT).

Iran presented packages ready for investment in its 48 free trade and special economic zones during the mentioned fair.

According to the secretary of Iran’s Free Zones High Council, who traveled to China to participate in the event, 850 foreign investment packages worth 15 billion euros are ready for the investment of foreign partners, which were presented in the exhibition.