China opposes the United States' move to put restrictions on Chinese entities and officials and rejects claims of so-called "human rights abuses" in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.

On Monday, the U.S. Commerce Department added 28 organizations and companies to its blacklist over "human rights violations and abuses" in Xinjiang. On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington was placing visa restrictions on Chinese officials for the same reason.

Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Geng Shuang on Wednesday refuted the groundless allegations and said Washington's restrictions are "serious violations of the basic norms governing international relations."

While stressing that Xinjiang affairs are purely China's internal affairs, Geng reiterated that measures such as setting up vocational and training centers in Xinjiang aim to fight against terrorism.

"Human rights abuses do not exist in Xinjiang," Geng stressed, rejecting Washington's accusations.

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China refutes U.S. entities blacklist over so-called abuse in Xinjiang

China has made great contributions to global counter-terrorism, Geng said, noting that the efforts have been well recognized and supported by the international community.

China will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its national security and interests, he noted, urging the U.S. to rescind the decision and stop twisting the truth as well as interfering in China's internal affairs.

(Cover: A class at the central primary school in Tokkuzak township, Shufu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, September 26, 2017. /Xinhua Photo)