19 May

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has lodged a strong protest with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo over recent words and actions by Washington.

China's Foreign Ministry says Wang spoke to Pompeo over the phone on Saturday. Officials say Wang told Pompeo he strongly opposes the moves by the US. He said the US is using political measures and various other means to harm the interests of China and its companies.

Their talks come after the US put China's telecom giant Huawei Technologies and its affiliates on a so-called Entity List. American firms are barred from doing business with companies on the list without specific approval.

Wang told Pompeo trade issues should be resolved through negotiations carried out on an equal footing. He stressed his country has followed the basic rules of international relations.

The two also exchanged views on Iran. Wang urged the US to avoid escalating tensions. He reiterated China's opposition to US sanctions banning other countries from importing Iranian oil.—NHK