MOC slams U.S. sanctions on Chinese entities

China strongly opposes the United States' sanctions against China-based companies and citizens for alleged involvement in the production of illicit drugs, said a Ministry of Commerce official Tuesday.

China will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals, the official added.

Earlier, the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement that it slapped sanctions on seven entities and six people based in China, accusing them of enabling counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pill production.