(Karachi) China has accused the United States of using national security concerns as an excuse to act against Chinese firms, local media reported on Tuesday. China's response came days after the US listed 11 more Chinese firms as being owned or controlled by the military.

China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said that such a move will not benefit the US. She added, "The US repeatedly abused the concept of national security, misused national power, and oppressed particular Chinese companies.”

She said all Chinese companies follow and abide regulations and market principles.

Earlier, the United States put 11 Chinese companies on a list including construction giant China Communications Construction Co, China Three Gorges Corporation Limited, Sinochem Group Co Ltd and China Spacesat, for allegedly having links with the Chinese military.

The move will allow the Trump administration to impose sanctions on the said firms. It is the US president's prerogative to impose sanctions that could include blocking all property of the listed companies.

The move against Chinese firms will likely to flare up tensions between the two super powers which have been at loggerheads over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.