China hits back at potential US blacklist of Ant Group

China opposes the United States' practice to abuse the concept of "national security" to oppress foreign companies, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a daily news briefing.

The US side should respect market economies and the principle of fair competition, abide global economic and trade rules and provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment, Zhao said.

The Chinese government will continue taking necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese companies, he added.

Media earlier reported the US State Department has submitted a proposal for the Trump administration to add China's Ant Group to a trade blacklist.