The US government has added five companies based in China to a trade blacklist after it was revealed they have been supporting Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

The five companies the United States accuses of aiding the Russian military are King Pai Technology Co, Winninc Electronic, Connec Electronic, Hong Kong-based World Jetta, and Logistics Limited.

In a statement, Alan Estevez (the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security) said “Today’s action sends a powerful message to entities and individuals across the globe that if they seek to support Russia, the United States will cut them off as well.”

Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez

The Under Secretary added that an additional 31 entities were also put on the blacklist. They include countries from Russia, the UAE, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Lithuania. 26 of the 31 entities had operations in China.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian

China’s foreign ministry spokesman has responded to the recent US move saying “China and Russia carry out normal trade cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit. This should not be interfered with or restricted by any third party.”