The Ministry of Commerce responds to the US launching another 301 investigation on the grounds of 'not prohibiting the import of forced labor products'

Beijing, March 16 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stated on the 16th that China has noticed that on March 12 Eastern Time, the US launched a 301 investigation into 60 economies, including China, on the grounds of "not prohibiting the import of forced labor products". This is another consecutive 301 investigation launched by the US after the "overcapacity" 301 investigation on March 11th. At present, China and the United States are holding a new round of economic and trade consultations in Paris, France, and China has made representations to the United States. We urge the US to immediately correct its erroneous practices, move towards the same direction as China, adhere to the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, and find solutions to problems through dialogue and consultation. We will closely monitor the progress of the US investigation, reserve the right to take all necessary measures, and resolutely defend our legitimate rights and interests.

The spokesperson stated that the United States had previously fabricated facts and implemented a series of trade restrictions on China under the pretext of "forced labor", and China has repeatedly expressed its solemn position. China has always opposed forced labor and is one of the founding members of the International Labour Organization. It has ratified 28 international labor conventions, established a sound system of labor laws and regulations, and resolutely prevented and cracked down on forced labor.

The spokesperson pointed out that the United States has not yet ratified the 1930 Forced Labor Convention, refusing to be bound by international rules, but has long been manipulating the issue of "forced labor". The US launched a 301 investigation into China and related economies in an attempt to build trade barriers, which is highly unilateral, arbitrary, and discriminatory, and is a typical act of protectionism. The World Trade Organization expert group has already ruled that the US's 301 tariff measures against China violate WTO rules. The US has once again abused the 301 investigation procedure, placing domestic laws above international rules. This is a mix of mistakes, seriously undermining the security and stability of the global industrial and supply chains, and seriously disrupting the international economic and trade order.