The Foreign Ministry yesterday criticized Washington for imposing sanctions on four Chinese companies for alleged involvement in arms sales.

 

The ministry's spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular news briefing that the US action was "completely unreasonable and irresponsible."

 

"We express our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition," she said.

 

On Tuesday, the US imposed a prohibition on all transactions with four Chinese companies alleged to have helped Iran acquire weapons of mass destruction including missiles.

 

Washington said the companies supplied Iran with missile-related and dual use components.

 

The Chinese companies involved are Beijing Alite Technologies Co Ltd, LIMMT Economic and Trade Co Ltd, Great Wall Industry Corporation, and China National Precision Machinery Import/Export Corporation. China National Precision is represented in the US by GW Aerospace Inc, based in California.

 

"The US government did not provide any evidence before they froze transactions on the four Chinese companies. This is completely unreasonable and irresponsible," Jiang said.

 

She noted that proliferation of weapons of mass destruction threatens peace and security, and does not serve China's interests.

 

"The Chinese government is firmly opposed to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and does not allow any companies or individuals to support or engage in proliferation of any form," she said.

 

"This is our clear and firm stance."

 

China and the US share common interests on non-proliferation, but the latest sanctions have "severely harmed" bilateral cooperation in this regard, as well as the further development of bilateral relations, she added.

 

Jiang urged the US to correct its mistakes and stop exerting sanctions and pressure on China.

 

On China-Japan relations, Jiang said: "We hope the Japanese leaders will make the right decision ... and help create healthy and stable ties as soon as possible."

 

She said China has always attached great importance to China-Japan relations.

 

President Hu Jintao has said many times that the two nations should be committed to peaceful coexistence, long-term friendship, mutual-beneficial cooperation and common development, she noted.

 

Turning to China-Africa ties, Jiang said Hu has sent formal invitations to African leaders to attend the third ministerial meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum slated for November.

 

The invitations were well received by African countries, she said, noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and African countries.

 

Jiang said China and many African countries are developing nations and therefore share common interests and consensus on many issues.

 

The long-lasting friendship between China and African nations is a result of mutual support, equality, cooperation and common development, she said.

 

It is important for China's diplomatic policies to consolidate and develop cooperation with African countries, she noted.

 

China hopes to carry on the traditional friendship and develop a new type of strategic partnership with African countries, she added.

 

Premier Wen Jiabao leaves on a seven-nation African tour tomorrow.

 

Jiang said that Wen will hold talks with leaders of the seven countries and discuss promoting bilateral relations and other issues of common concern, based on the spirit of deepening friendship, enhancing mutual trust, and expanding cooperation and common development.

 

China published earlier this year an African policy document and Hu visited three African nations in April.

 

At Hu's invitation, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade will visit China from June 21 to 26, Jiang announced.

 

(China Daily, Xinhua News Agency June 16, 2006)