This undated file photo shows Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, speaking at a press conference in Beijing, China. (PHOTO / MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE, CHINA)

BEIJING - A Chinese defense spokesman on Thursday urged the United States to take real action to create conditions to bring relations between the two countries' militaries back on the right track.

Wu Qian, the spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks at a press conference when asked to comment on a recent statement of US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner, who said that the executive levels of the two militaries lack clear and consistent communication channels.

READ MORE: Chinese diplomat urges US to adhere to one-China principle

Wu said the Chinese and US militaries have maintained candid and effective communication through diplomatic channels.

The United States should immediately cease such erroneous practices. China will take necessary measures and maintain the lawful rights and interests of the Chinese firms in a steadfast manner.

Spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce 

"What the United States does not have is not the communication channels, but the courage and action to face realities squarely and correct its mistakes," Wu said. 

Protest against US interference 

China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday said it is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes the US' recent addition of three Chinese firms to the so-called Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List.

A spokesperson for the ministry said that the move, which lacks factual basis and transparency, is classic economic coercion.

ALSO READ: China opposes US inclusion of Chinese entities on Entity List

The Xinjiang Supply Chain Business Advisory and supplemental documents issued by the US have grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and suppressed Chinese companies under the banner of "human rights," according to the spokesperson.

There is no forced labor in Xinjiang, the spokesperson said, noting that the US is undermining Xinjiang's prosperity and stability, infringing on the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises in Xinjiang, and negatively impacting the human rights of Xinjiang residents of various ethnic groups in the name of "human rights."

READ MORE: China decries US sanctions on Chinese firms, individuals

"The United States should immediately cease such erroneous practices. China will take necessary measures and maintain the lawful rights and interests of the Chinese firms in a steadfast manner," the spokesperson said.