China's commerce ministry criticizes new US tariffs on goods over forced labor claims, urging removal and emphasizing the need for dialogue.
China's commerce ministry has denounced new US tariffs on Chinese goods imposed over alleged forced labor, calling them unjustified protectionism and urging Washington to remove them, reports Reuters.
On Friday, the US levied tariffs of 10 percent and 12.5 percent on imports from 60 trading partners, including China and the EU, following a Section 301 probe into forced labor. China was assigned a 12.5 percent rate.
The ministry stated that these measures risk undermining last year's fragile trade truce and accused Washington of manipulating the issue of forced labor. It described the tariffs as unilateralism and protectionism but signaled a willingness to continue dialogue based on mutual respect and equality.
Beijing emphasized that it has a comprehensive system of labor laws to prevent forced labor, while noting that the US has not ratified the 1930 Forced Labor Convention. It pointed out that Washington had pledged tariffs would not exceed 20 percent, and the new 12.5 percent rate remains within that limit.
The ministry urged the US to correct its practices and cancel the tariffs, reserving the right to take necessary countermeasures. It stated that both sides should uphold the consensus from trade talks, reduce disputes, and expand cooperation.
