China criticizes the US for adding over 40 firms to the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act list, claiming it harms global trade and Chinese rights.
China has blasted the United States for adding more than 40 Chinese entities to the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act entity list, saying the move undermines the rights of Chinese companies and disrupts global supply chains, reports China Daily.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that the US action was groundless and represented another attempt to impose unilateral sanctions under the pretext of human rights and forced labour. It described the measure as economic coercion.
The ministry noted that Chinese and US economic officials had held a constructive video call one day earlier, exchanging views on maintaining stable trade relations. It emphasized that the new sanctions deviated from the consensus reached by the two heads of state.
The ministry reiterated China's opposition to forced labour allegations, insisting that there is no such practice in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. It added that Xinjiang enjoys social harmony, economic growth, and rising living standards.
China urged Washington to stop attacking and smearing Xinjiang, to cease exploiting the forced labour issue, and to end the suppression of Chinese companies. The ministry stressed that Beijing will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses.