China’s Ministry of Commerce announced its strong opposition to the United States’ decision to designate additional companies as “military”, accusing Washington of using national security as a pretext to curb the growth of Chinese companies.

The ministry expressed strong displeasure with the move, saying it ignores broader trade relations between China and the United States, undermines the global economic order, threatens the stability of supply chains, and harms the legitimate rights of Chinese companies, according to a statement issued Saturday.

Beijing urged the United States to immediately reverse these designations and grant Chinese companies fair and non-discriminatory treatment, warning of "firm and strong" countermeasures if Washington does not change course.

The remarks came after the Pentagon this week added some of China's largest companies, including Alibaba Group Holding, Baidu, and BYD, to a list of firms it says support the People's Liberation Army. The move amended a version of the list that was briefly published in February before being withdrawn without explanation.