Ministry of Commerce Responds to U.S. Launch of Section 301 Investigation Against 60 Economies, Including China

Q: On March 12, Eastern Time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the initiation of a Section 301 investigation against 60 economies, including China, on the grounds of "failing to prohibit the import of forced labor products." What is China’s comment?

A: China has noted that on March 12, Eastern Time, the United States initiated a Section 301 investigation against 60 economies, including China, on the grounds of "failing to prohibit the import of forced labor products." This marks another Section 301 investigation launched by the U.S. following the "overcapacity" investigation initiated on March 11.

The U.S. has previously fabricated facts and imposed a series of trade restrictions on China under the pretext of "forced labor." China has repeatedly expressed its firm position on this matter. China consistently opposes forced labor and is a founding member of the International Labour Organization. It has ratified 28 international labor conventions and established a comprehensive legal framework for labor rights, resolutely preventing and combating forced labor practices.

To this day, the United States has not ratified the Forced Labour Convention of 1930 and refuses to be bound by international rules, yet it has long manipulated the "forced labor" issue. This latest Section 301 investigation against China and other economies is an attempt to erect trade barriers. It is highly unilateral, arbitrary, and discriminatory, representing typical protectionist behavior. A WTO panel has already ruled that U.S. Section 301 tariff measures against China violate WTO rules. By once again abusing the Section 301 investigation process and placing domestic law above international rules, the U.S. is compounding its errors. Such actions severely undermine the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains and seriously disrupt international economic and trade order.

At present, China and the U.S. are holding a new round of economic and trade consultations in Paris, France. China has already raised concerns with the U.S. side. We urge the U.S. to immediately correct its wrong practices, move in the same direction as China, adhere to the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, and seek solutions through dialogue and consultation. We will closely monitor the progress of the U.S. investigation and reserve the right to take all necessary measures to resolutely defend our legitimate rights and interests.