China has firmly opposed new United States sanctions on two Chinese companies accused of supplying military equipment to Cuba, its commerce ministry said on Saturday. The ministry urged Washington to correct what it called its wrongful practices as soon as possible and said Beijing reserved the right to take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses. The statement, issued on 7 November, was a response to sanctions announced by the US State Department on Thursday against China National Electronic Import and Export Company, known as CEIEC, and Beijing H&C Technologies.

Washington accused the two firms of supplying components and equipment to Cuba's armed forces through Sociedad Mercantil Duna, a Cuban arms procurement company. The State Department's action also designated other entities and individuals and identified five vessels as blocked property as part of a wider round of Cuba-related measures. Reports described the move as the first time the United States had imposed sanctions on Chinese companies on Cuba-related grounds.

Beijing said the sanctions violated international law and the basic norms governing international relations, arguing that Washington had imposed unilateral restrictions on Chinese businesses over their dealings with a third country. The ministry said the United States had recently intensified its sanctions and suppression of Chinese companies, introducing multiple discriminatory restrictions that had seriously harmed their rights and interests.

The dispute surfaced as Vice Premier He Lifeng, who leads China's economic and trade talks with the United States, held a video call on Friday with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, in which the Chinese side raised serious concern over recent US trade restrictions.

[Source: peoplesdaily.pdnews.cn](https://peoplesdaily.pdnews.cn/china/er/30053509777) | [Source: anewz.tv](https://anewz.tv/world/world-news/26407/china-condemns-us-sanctions-over-cuba-military-supplies/news)