BEIJING - China's Ministry of Commerce said Thursday that national security reviews of foreign investment should not be used as tools of protectionism.

The ministry made the remarks after a US federal panel that reviews foreign investment for possible security threats ruled against a Chinese company's proposed purchase of Lattice Semiconductor.

China is concerned about the US decision, the ministry's spokesperson Gao Feng told a press conference.

Gao said each country has the right to probe foreign investment in sensitive sectors, but that power should not be used as a tool to implement protectionism.

A Chinese company acquiring a foreign business is a normal market practice, which should be treated objectively and fairly, Gao said.

China hopes other countries can create an equitable and transparent environment for foreign investment, and avoid impacting investors' confidence, he said.