The Ministry of Commerce said on Sunday to firmly oppose Canada's interference in business cooperation between companies from both sides in the pretext of national security.

The statement came after Canada ordered three Chinese companies to quit lithium mining in Canada, citing national security.

"Both China and Canada are important links in the global mineral supply chain. Chinese enterprises' investment in Canada's mineral sector is a business act based on the principles of market economy and the development needs of enterprises," the ministry said in a statement.

"By generalizing the concept of national security, Canada has artificially set up barriers (for business activities) and violated market rules, undermining the commercial interests of relevant Chinese and Canadian companies, weakening global investors' confidence in Canada's investment environment, which is not beneficial for industrial development in Canada and the stability of the global mineral supply chain," it said.

"We urge Canada to take China's concerns seriously, stop politicizing economic and trade issues, and create a fair, just, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for investors from China and other countries. China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," the ministry said.