The Ministry of Commerce responds to journalists' questions regarding the U.S. announcement of initiating Section 301 investigations against 60 economies, including China.

Ministry of Commerce’s latest response to reporters.

Question: On March 12th, Eastern Time, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced a Section 301 investigation against 60 economies, including China, on the grounds of “not banning the import of forced labor products.” What is China’s comment on this?

Answer: China notes that on March 12th, Eastern Time, the U.S. initiated a Section 301 investigation against 60 economies, including China, citing “not banning the import of forced labor products.” This is another consecutive Section 301 investigation launched by the U.S. following the one on “overcapacity” on March 11th.

Previously, the U.S. fabricated facts and imposed a series of trade restrictions against China under the pretext 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 established a comprehensive system of labor laws and regulations. China is committed to preventing and combating 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 initiation of a Section 301 investigation against China and related economies aims 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 mistake that worsens global supply chain security and stability and seriously 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

Proofread: Zhao Yan