China's government said Thursday it opposed US sanctions on a Chinese company that allegedly supported Iran's nuclear programs.

"As always, we resolutely oppose US sanctions on the Chinese company citing its domestic laws," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu told a regular briefing on Thursday.

Jiang didn't name the Chinese company, but her comments came after the US Treasury on Tuesday banned Chinese firm LIMMT Economic and Trade Company, Ltd. and six Iranian companies from doing business in the United States on the grounds they were suspected of collaborating on a scheme to transfer nuclear technology from China to Iran. The Treasury also ordered their assets to be frozen.

Jiang said China's counter-proliferation policy was clear. "In accordance with the country's policies and laws and regulations, China exercises a strict and effective control on exports."

She said any individual or company that was engaged in illegal activities would be severely punished.

(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2009)