BEIJING, China: Beijing has protested US sanctions against more Chinese companies for allegedly evading previous controls over trade on Russia, calling it an illegal move that endangers global supply chains.

This week, the US Commerce Department barred five firms based in mainland China and Hong Kong from trading with any US firms without gaining a nearly unobtainable special license.

Twenty-eight businesses from countries ranging from Malta to Turkey to Singapore were added to the US "entity list," as Washington has been further enforcing sanctions against foreign firms seen as breaking sanctions against Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine, forcing them to choose between trade with the US or Russia.

The US move "has no basis in international law and is not authorized by the United Nations Security Council,' said China's Commerce Ministry in a statement.

Placed by the US on its "entity list" were
Allparts Trading Co., Ltd.; Avtex Semiconductor Limited; ETC Electronics Ltd.; Maxtronic International Co., Ltd.; and STK Electronics Co., Ltd., registered in Hong Kong.
The Commerce Department said the list identifies "entities" suspected of being "involved, are involved, or pose a significant risk of being or becoming involved in activities contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the US."

In response, China's Foreign Ministry accused the US of "outright bullying and double standards" for sanctioning Chinese companies.

Despite claiming it is neutral in the conflict, China has backed Russia politically, rhetorically and economically, refusing to criticize Russia's actions, while maintaining trade relations.