AsianFin — China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has announced sanctions against six U.S. companies, placing three on its Unreliable Entity List and three on an export control list, citing national security and sovereignty concerns.

According to MOFCOM, Saronic Technologies, Inc., Aerkomm Inc., and Oceaneering International, Inc. have been designated as unreliable entities. The measures include a ban on import and export activities related to China and a prohibition on new investments in the country.

Separately, MOFCOM said it has added Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., Planate Management Group, and Global Dimensions LLC to its roster of export-controlled entities under the Export Control Law and related regulations.

As a result, exports of dual-use items to these companies are now prohibited, and ongoing transactions must be halted. Exporters seeking exceptions in special cases must apply for approval, the ministry said.

Both measures took effect immediately upon publication of the announcements on Thursday.