China Denies US Forced Labor Accusations, Cites Economic Coercion

China's Ministry of Commerce has strongly refuted accusations of forced labor in the Xinjiang region, asserting that the United States' claims lack factual basis. The ministry stated that the US has employed its domestic laws to impose unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies, characterizing these actions as clear economic coercion that harms the legitimate rights of these businesses and disrupts the stability of global supply chains.

In a statement released on August 1, the ministry emphasized China's opposition to forced labor. It further asserted that the Xinjiang region is stable, prosperous, and free from any such practices, directly contradicting the US allegations of human rights abuses against Uyghur and other minority groups.

The ministry urged the US to cease its "attacking and smearing" of Xinjiang on this issue and to end the "unfair pressure" exerted on Chinese companies. Beijing issued a warning that it will take measures to protect the rights of its affected companies.

This response comes after the US announced on July 31 the ban of imports from 43 additional Chinese companies. These companies were added to the Uighur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, which restricts the import of goods linked to what the US describes as human rights abuses and ongoing genocide in Xinjiang.