Beijing on Wednesday urged Washington to immediately cancel its illegal sanctions against Chinese enterprises, saying cooperation with Iran under the framework of international law is reasonable and legal and should be protected.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian made the remarks after the United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced on Tuesday that the US will place sanctions on a Chinese company for its business with an Iranian airline designated by the US as an entity that supports terrorism.

China always opposes unilateral sanctions and the so-called long-arm jurisdiction, Zhao said at a daily news briefing, adding that the country will be committed to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

At this crucial moment as the world is working together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the US is still resorting to unilateralism and maximum suppression, which goes against international efforts to beat the virus, and against the humanitarian spirit, he said.

China urges the US to correct its mistakes immediately, he added.