BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday announced the decision to take countermeasures against five U.S.-linked subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean, a leading shipbuilding enterprise from the Republic of Korea.

These countermeasures, which took effect on Tuesday, were adopted to counteract the United States' Section 301 investigation measures aimed at China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, the ministry said in a statement.

The five U.S.-linked subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean subject to these countermeasures are Hanwha Shipping LLC, Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc., Hanwha Ocean USA International LLC, Hanwha Shipping Holdings LLC and HS USA Holdings Corp., according to the ministry.

Organizations and individuals within China are prohibited from engaging in any transactions, cooperation or related activities with these entities, the ministry noted. ■