China has firmly rejected the latest sanctions imposed by the United States on three of its companies over allegations of enabling Iranian military operations, vowing to protect its businesses from illegal and unilateral restrictions.

Speaking at a regular press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing has always required its enterprises to conduct business in full compliance with “laws and regulations.”

"We will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," he added.

He emphasized the importance of making every possible effort to prevent a resumption of hostilities in the region as the world's most urgent priority at this juncture.

“The pressing priority is to prevent by all means a relapse in fighting, rather than using the war to maliciously associate and smear other countries.”