China criticized the British government on Tuesday for its decision to exclude Chinese wind turbine maker Ming Yang Smart Energy Group Co from offshore wind projects in the United Kingdom.

Responding to a media query, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce said that the country has taken note of the UK side's statement, in which the British government declined to support the use of Ming Yang's wind turbines on "national security" grounds.

This move runs counter to the UK's long-standing commitment to an open and free market and would not be conducive to local economic development or the well-being of the public, the commerce official said, adding it could have a negative impact on practical economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

"China firmly opposes the UK's decision," the spokesperson said in an online statement.

China hopes the British government will provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, earnestly advance practical economic and trade cooperation, and promote the sound and stable development of bilateral relations, the spokesperson said.