China strongly opposes the United States' repeated sanctions on Chinese companies and citizens over alleged ties to Iran, a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

China has repeatedly stated its firm opposition to unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council, spokesperson Huang Ling said at a regular press conference.

Such sanctions improperly interfere with normal trade and undermine global energy security and stable energy supplies, she said.

China urges the United States to immediately withdraw the sanctions against relevant Chinese companies and citizens, Huang said, adding that China will firmly protect their legitimate rights and interests.