The Treasury Department on Monday moved to clarify President Trump's executive action from last month restricting Americans from purchasing securities of Chinese companies alleged to have ties to China's military.

A set of frequently asked questions posted to the Treasury Department's website Monday spelled out the restrictions on ownership of publicly traded securities of Chinese companies, indicating that U.S. citizens would be barred from investing in companies "50 percent or more owned by one or more Communist Chinese military company(ies)" or thought to be "controlled by one or more Communist Chinese military company(ies)."

The agency also included a list of Chinese companies to which the new restrictions would apply in a statement to Reuters.

China's foreign ministry sharply condemned the move, calling it an abuse of power.

“Politicizing economy and trade, abusing the power of the state, stretching the concept of national security, such actions go against the principles of market competition and international trade that the United States has always prided itself with,” read the statement.

In a statement obtained by the news agency Monday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the guidance “ensures U.S. capital does not contribute to the development and modernization of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) military, intelligence, and security services.”

“This should allay concerns that U.S. investors might unknowingly support (Chinese military-controlled companies) via direct, indirect, or other passive investments,” he added.

The president moved via executive order last month to implement the restrictions, which are expected to go into effect on Jan. 11, just ahead of President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

At the time, he accused China's military of pressuring “civilian Chinese companies to support its military and intelligence activities,” which he added posed an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and foreign policy.