Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused the US of using human rights concerns to restrict Chinese businesses and undermine the country's development.

"The US side continues to fabricate lies regarding Xinjiang, using the pretext of so-called forced labor to wantonly suppress Chinese enterprises. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition," Guo said.

His remarks followed a decision by the US Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday to add BGI Genomics, MGI Tech and Shenzhen BGI Technology, also known as BGI Group, to its blacklist.

The additions brought the total number of listed entities to 190.

Washington accused the companies of supporting genetic testing and surveillance activities linked to alleged forced labour in China's Xinjiang region.

Guo rejected the accusations, describing them as part of efforts to damage China's reputation and restrict its economic progress.

"This so-called forced labor is nothing more than a lie of the century concocted by anti-China elements, aimed at destabilising Xinjiang, smearing China, and containing China’s development," he added.

Under US law, products manufactured by blacklisted companies cannot enter the American market unless importers demonstrate that they were produced without forced labour.

BGI Group and MGI Tech denied the allegations and maintained that their US operations represented only a small proportion of their overall business .

China's Foreign Ministry also called on Washington to stop using human rights allegations as a basis for imposing restrictions on Chinese enterprises.

"China urges the US to stop interfering in China’s internal affairs and curbing China’s development under the guise of human rights; China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its enterprises," he continued.

The dispute comes amid continuing trade tensions between Beijing and Washington, ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in November.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that the two leaders had discussed China-US relations as well as wider global issues during their talks.

"The two heads of state held in-depth exchanges of views on major issues concerning China-US relations as well as world peace and development, and reached a series of important consensuses, including the joint building of a constructive and stable relationship between the two countries based on respect, fairness, and reciprocity," Guo said during a press conference in Beijing.

Xi visited the US from September 23 to 25, where he held talks with Trump at the White House. The two leaders also toured the US National Archives.

According to Beijing, the two countries agreed to support each other as they prepare to host major international meetings.

"Both sides agreed to support each other in successfully hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the G20 Leaders' Summit. China stands ready to work with the US to effectively implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and to promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations," Guo added.

Trump described the visit as having made 'great strides', while Xi said the talks had added new substance to a "constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability", based on respect, fairness and reciprocity.

Xi's three-day visit also included military flyovers, ceremonial events and a state dinner.

Despite the agreements reached during the visit, major differences between Washington and Beijing remain over trade, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and China's ties with Iran.