China slams US accusations and UK, Aus, 'interference'

China said on Friday the Trump administration "abused national power to unreasonably suppress Chinese companies" by banning investments in some companies linked to the Chinese military.

President Donald Trump has stepped up a conflict with China over security and technology by issuing an order barring Americans from investing in companies that U.S. officials say are owned or controlled by the Chinese military.

"The U.S. government maliciously slandered China's military-civilian integration development policy out of political motives," said Wang Wenbin, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

"This move will not only seriously damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, but will also damage the interests of investors from all countries, including the U.S," he added.

The impact of the order Thursday wasn't immediately clear but it could add to pressure on companies including telecom equipment giant Huawei and video surveillance provider Hikvision that already face U.S. export bans and other sanctions.

The ban was Trump's first major action towards China since he lost his reelection bid to challenger Joe Biden. Economists and political analysts have said that Trump was likely to launch more actions against Beijing before leaving office on Jan. 20 next year.

Political analysts expect little change in policy under Biden due to widespread frustration with China's trade and human rights records and accusations of spying and technology theft.

Wang also criticized the United Kingdom's statement that it considers China to have broken its commitment brokered during the handover of Hong Kong.

"If the countries concerned insist on moving down the wrong path, China will make a resolute, legitimate and necessary reactions," said Wang.