China has reacted sharply to a move by the United States to include Chinese firms and individuals that the US claims are supplying goods supporting Russia's war effort, in its new sanctions.
The US government announced on Wednesday that it is expanding its sanctions against Russia by designating more than 300 individuals and entities as new sanction targets.
The US said those targets include individuals and entities in China and other countries, which allegedly provide Moscow with goods that could be converted to military use.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian slammed the US move at a news conference on Thursday.
Lin noted that normal trade activities between China and Russia should not be subject to interference or destruction.
He demanded that the US suspend its sanctions immediately, and indicated a possible countermeasure.
Leaders of the Group of Seven nations are also expected to share their concerns over China's military assistance to Russia in their summit talks that opened in Italy on Thursday.