China's Ministry of Commerce on Monday slammed Washington's recent indictments of several Chinese companies and individuals over alleged trafficking of chemicals used in manufacturing fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is used to treat severe pain.

It said the U.S. illegally obtained so-called "evidence" to press charges against Chinese enterprises through "sting operation," which is an unilateral bullying act, and the Chinese side resolutely opposes and strongly condemns it.

China strictly enforces anti-drug policies and is the first country in the world to schedule fentanyl-related substance as a class, playing an important role in preventing the illicit manufacturing, trafficking and abuse of fentanyl, the ministry added.

Dismissing Washington's "long-arm jurisdiction" over Chinese companies and individuals, the Chinese Embassy in the United States on Sunday said Washington has seriously undermined the foundation of China-U.S. anti-drug cooperation and misled the public over China's counter-narcotics efforts. 

The contributions in preventing the illegal trafficking and abuse by China are widely recognized by the international community, the Chinese Embassy said in a statement, urging Washington to stop shifting the blame, and to stop smearing and attacking China.

The embassy also urged the U.S. to stop using fentanyl-related issues as a pretext to sanction, indict or offer awards to hunt Chinese companies or nationals.

China will continue to take necessary actions to preserve the legal rights of Chinese companies and individuals, it said.

(Cover: Fentanyl patches in bags of candy seized by the police at the Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, U.S., October 19, 2022. /CFP)