China protests US sanctions against companies

(AP) China is protesting U.S. sanctions against a leading state arms maker and other companies over alleged arms deals with North Korea, Syria, and Iran.

The U.S. State Department said Poly Technologies Inc. is among companies barred from dealing with the U.S. government or purchasing U.S. military hardware for two years. The company is part of a massive state-owned conglomerate.

China's Foreign Ministry said Tuesday the actions seriously violate the norms of international relations and undermine China's interests. The ministry said China strongly enforces non-proliferation laws and had lodged a formal complaint with Washington.

The official Xinhua News Agency says the company denies violating any U.N. Security Council arms embargoes and says it strictly adheres to Chinese law and international statutes.