Regarding the US initiating Section 301 investigations into 60 economies including China, the Ministry of Commerce responds!

Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson Responds to USTR’s Launch of Section 301 Investigation on 60 Economies Including China for “Unprohibited Import of Forced Labor Products”

Q: On March 12th, Eastern Time, the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative announced the launch of a Section 301 investigation against 60 economies, including China, citing “unprohibited import of forced labor products.” What is China’s comment on this?

A: China notes that on March 12th, Eastern Time, the U.S. launched a Section 301 investigation against 60 economies, including China, under the pretext of “unprohibited import of forced labor products.” This is another consecutive Section 301 investigation following the one initiated on March 11th regarding “overcapacity.”

The U.S. previously fabricated facts and imposed a series of trade restrictions against China under the guise of “forced labor.” China has repeatedly expressed its firm stance. China has always opposed forced labor, is one of the founding members of the International Labour Organization, has ratified 28 international labor conventions, and has established a comprehensive system of labor laws and regulations to prevent and combat forced labor.

To date, the U.S. has not ratified the 1930 Forced Labour Convention and refuses to be bound by international rules, yet it has long manipulated the issue of “forced labor.” The recent Section 301 investigation against China and related economies is an attempt to build trade barriers, which is highly unilateral, arbitrary, and discriminatory—typical protectionism. WTO expert panels have already ruled that U.S. Section 301 tariffs violate WTO rules. The U.S. is once again abusing the Section 301 process, placing domestic law above international rules, which is a serious mistake that damages the security and stability of the global industrial and supply chains and disrupts international economic and trade order.

Currently, China and the U.S. are holding a new round of economic and trade consultations in Paris, France. China has lodged a formal protest with the U.S. side. We urge the U.S. to immediately correct its wrongful actions, work with China in a reciprocal manner, adhere to the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, and seek solutions through dialogue and negotiation. We will closely monitor the progress of the U.S. investigation and reserve the right to take all necessary measures to firmly defend our legitimate rights and interests.

(Source: Ministry of Commerce website)