China reacted to the US decision to impose additional tariffs on 60 trading partners, citing forced labor allegations. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce described Washington's move as 'typical unilateralism' and demanded the complete removal of the tariffs.
Speaking to Xinhua news agency, the spokesperson stated that China opposes forced labor and has established a comprehensive labor law system. Emphasizing that the US must correct its wrong practices, the official said, 'We demand the complete removal of unilateral tariff measures.'
The US Trade Representative (USTR) had announced the new tariffs based on investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. According to the decision, some countries including China will face an additional 12.5 percent tariff, while others will face 10 percent.
China reiterated its commitment to multilateral rules in international trade and warned that the US's unilateral sanctions would negatively affect global supply chains.