News - World: China has slammed new “illegal” sanctions imposed by the United States on individuals and entities linked to Iran’s missile and drone programs.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed Beijing’s opposition to the US sanctions after the Treasury Department slapped the restrictive measures on 11 individuals, eight entities, and one vessel in Iran, Hong Kong, China, and Venezuela for “enabling” Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs.

“We are always firmly opposed to illegal unilateral sanctions imposed by the US,” the Chinese diplomat said.

“We will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens.”

In a press release, the US Treasury claimed that those designated have “materially supported” Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Defense Ministry “in the production and proliferation of missiles and UAVs.”

The US bans came on the same day that a UN arms embargo on Iran expired under a Security Council resolution that enshrined the US-abandoned 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Despite illegal sanctions, Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sector.

Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities which are entirely meant for defense.

Source: Press TV