US trade probe seriously disrupts global economic, trade order: China

The recent US investigation related to alleged failures to prohibit the import of goods produced via ‘forced labour’ followed another Section 301 probe initiated just a day earlier over the ‘overcapacity’ issue.

A statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce noted China has already lodged representations with the US side amid ongoing bilateral economic and trade consultations in Paris.

Beijing has opposed the US decision to launch a Section 301 investigation related to ‘forced labour’ into 60 economies, including China, saying it seriously disrupts the international economic and trade order.
A statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce noted China has already lodged representations with the US side amid ongoing bilateral economic and trade consultations in Paris.

“We urge the US side to immediately correct its wrongdoings, meet China halfway, adhere to the principle of mutual respect and equal consultation, and find a solution to the problem through dialogue and consultation,” the statement said.

A ministry spokesperson refuted the US allegations, saying Washington has long manipulated the ‘forced labour’ issue and imposed a series of trade restrictions on China based on fabricated allegations, according to a state-controlled news agency.

While China has ratified 28 international labour conventions and established a comprehensive system of labour laws and regulations to prevent and combat forced labour, the US has not yet ratified the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, thus rejecting binding international rules, the spokesperson noted.

The latest US move to erect trade barriers is “unilateral, arbitrary and discriminatory” in nature, and is “a typical act of protectionism”, the spokesperson added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)