WASHINGTON: Us China Trade War - The United States announced on Wednesday sanctions and restrictions on more than two dozen Chinese companies and officials for taking part in building artificial islands in the disputed waters in the South China Sea.

The 24 state-owned companies include subsidiaries of construction giant China Communications Construction Co., telecommunications firms, and a unit of China Shipbuilding Group.

The move is the latest step in Washington's efforts to pressure Beijing over its military buildup in areas of the South China Sea, where several countries claim sovereignty - Us China Trade War

The US Commerce Department said the companies " enabled China to build and militarize the disputed outposts in the South China Sea."

"Since 2013, the PRC (People's Republic of China) has used its state-owned enterprises to dredge and reclaim more than 3,000 acres in disputed features in the South China Sea, destabilizing the region and trampling rights of its neighbors and causing incalculable environmental damage, "said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. 

Us China Trade War - The 24 companies were placed on the "Entity List" of the Ministry of Commerce, allowing them to block the exports of US goods and materials to them.

Furthermore, Pompeo said that individuals associated with the South China Sea operations will be able to obtain visas to visit the United States. 

The names of the individuals were not available.

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