China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Friday that Beijing strongly opposes the United States listing Chinese companies on the “Entity List” targeted with restrictions, adding that it will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights of its companies.

The statement urged the US to correct the “wrong actions” which the ministry said harm the rights and interests of companies.

The administration of US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Washington imposed sanctions on about 100 individuals, entities, and vessels, including two independent Chinese refineries and terminals, for assisting Iran in oil and petrochemical trade.

On Wednesday, the US also announced it had added 15 Chinese companies to its export control list for facilitating the purchase of American electronic components found in drones operated by Iran’s allies, including Yemen’s Houthi group and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).