The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answers questions from reporters regarding the final measures of the US 301 investigation into "forced labor"

Q: On July 23rd Eastern Time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative issued the final measures based on the results of the 301 investigation on "not prohibiting the import of forced labor products", imposing 301 tariffs on 60 economies including China and imposing a 12.5% 301 tariff on China. What is China's response to this?

Answer: We have noticed the relevant situation. China has always opposed forced labor, established a sound system of labor laws and regulations, and resolutely prevented and cracked down on forced labor behavior. On the other hand, the United States not only has not yet ratified the 1930 Forced Labor Convention, but has also been manipulating the issue of "forced labor" for a long time. This time, it has launched a 301 investigation and imposed unilateral tariffs on the grounds of "forced labor", which is a typical unilateralism and protectionism. China firmly opposes this.

We have also noticed that the US has repeatedly expressed its intention to replace the tariffs and import surcharges under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) that have been ruled invalid with the 301 tariffs. The US has made a clear commitment in the China US economic and trade consultations that the substitution tariffs on Chinese goods will not exceed 20%. At present, the US has imposed a 12.5% substitution tariff on Chinese goods, and China's countermeasures against the first round of so-called fentanyl tariffs and equivalent tariffs are still effective. We will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively evaluate the follow-up measures taken by the United States, and reserve the right to take all necessary measures.

The Chinese side urges the US to correct its erroneous practices and completely cancel the unilateral tariff measures. China is willing to continue dialogue and consultation with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit to address their respective concerns. We hope that the United States and China will work together to maintain and implement the consensus of economic and trade consultations, continuously compress the list of issues, lengthen the list of cooperation, and make more contributions to the constructive strategic stability relationship between China and the United States.