China bans purchase from 46 U.S. companies in government procurement

China's Ministry of Finance on Monday issued a notice prohibiting the purchase of products manufactured by 46 designated U.S. companies in government procurement.

Under the new measure, procurement entities participating in government purchasing activities are barred from buying products made by the listed U.S. firms, including Lockheed Martin Corporation and Raytheon Missiles and Defense.

The measure was approved in accordance with relevant Chinese laws and regulations, the ministry said, adding the restriction does not apply to U.S.-invested companies operating in China.

The measure takes effect from the date of issuance, according to the statement.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Sunday that any Israeli military presence on Lebanese territory is unacceptable, stressing that the Lebanese army is the "only party authorized to protect national sovereignty."

"There is no place for security zones or Israeli military positions inside Lebanon," Qassem said in a televised speech on al-Manar local TV channel.

He accused Israel of attempting to redefine the Nov. 27, 2024 ceasefire by maintaining freedom of military action inside Lebanon while demanding full compliance from Hezbollah.

He said any future understanding must be based on a complete halt to Israeli attacks, full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River.

Hezbollah remains committed to any comprehensive ceasefire but will not accept continued "Israeli violations," he said.

Qassem also said the United States can compel Israel to stop its attacks if it chooses to do so, adding that U.S. support has enabled Israel to continue its military operations.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli military will continue its long-term presence in the so-called "security zone" in southern Lebanon, based on security needs, until the security threat to Israel is eliminated.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also said on Sunday that the Israeli army will not withdraw from the "security zone" it holds in southern Lebanon, despite a recent ceasefire announcement.

Katz affirmed in a statement that the Israeli military would remain at all positions in the "security zone," which he claimed protects northern Israeli settlements.

He added that there was and is no restriction on Israeli soldiers in Lebanon to act to eliminate threats.

Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir said Sunday that the ceasefire declared in Lebanon the day before is "fragile," according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Speaking during a situation assessment with senior commanders of units operating in southern Lebanon, Zamir stated that the military must maintain a high level of readiness for the renewal of combat operations, and the elimination of threats.

He added that the Israeli military continues to fight, and that its goal remains to protect communities in northern Israel.

The cumulative death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 had risen to 4,057, with 12,121 people wounded, the Lebanese Health Ministry's Public Health Emergency Operations Center said Saturday.