BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China has decided to add two U.S. firms, namely PVH Corp. and Illumina, Inc., to the country's unreliable entity list.

 

The two entities have violated normal market trading principles, terminated regular trade with Chinese companies, and adopted discriminatory measures against Chinese companies, thus severely harming their legitimate rights and interests, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Ministry of Commerce.

 

The decision was made to maintain national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the statement noted.

 

The unreliable entity list mechanism will take corresponding measures against the aforementioned entities based on relevant laws and regulations, according to the statement.

 

China always prudently handles issues related to the unreliable entity list, which only targets the very few foreign entities that undermine China's national security, said a spokesperson with the ministry.

 

"There's nothing to worry about for honest and law-abiding foreign entities," said the spokesperson.

 

The Chinese government will, as always, welcome companies from all countries to invest and operate in China, and is committed to providing a stable, fair and predictable business environment for foreign enterprises that operate in accordance with laws and regulations, said the spokesperson.