The United States has sanctioned a total of nine mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies and individuals accused of helping Iran’s military.

The decision, which risks complicating Donald Trump’s visit to China next week, was announced on Friday by the Treasury and State departments.

A Treasury Department press release said those targeted were “enabling efforts by Iran’s military to secure weapons” or securing “raw materials with applications in Iran’s Shahed‑series unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missile programme”.

The Chinese embassy in Washington, the foreign ministry and the companies sanctioned have been asked for comment.

The Treasury Department sanctions target five firms and one individual. They include Yushita Shanghai International Trade Company, which is accused of helping Tehran to buy arms.

Meanwhile, Hitex Insulation Ningbo Company is accused of supplying millions of dollars’ worth of materials used in ballistic missile research and flight test launches. Its legal representative, Li Genping, was also sanctioned.