China Calls U.S. Sanctions on Xinjiang Forced Labor a "Lie of the Century"

Two Chinese Companies Protest Sanctions

China strongly opposed the United States adding its companies to the sanctions list over alleged forced labor of the Uyghur people, calling it the "lie of the century."

On the 2nd, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on its website that "the forced labor alleged to exist in Xinjiang is the lie of the century fabricated by anti-China forces to smear China," and that "this is completely contrary to the fact that the labor rights and interests of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are firmly guaranteed."

It further claimed, "The United States, based on lies, has implemented the 'Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act,' arbitrarily undermining international economic and trade rules and damaging the stability of international industry and supply chains." It added, "We will take measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security added two Chinese companies, Camel Group and Qingtong Bio-Tech Group and its subsidiaries, to the sanctions list the day before under the 'Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.' Camel Group is the world's largest lead-acid battery manufacturer, and Qingtong Bio-Tech produces plant extracts and food additives from agricultural products.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said, "This is the Biden administration's commitment to hold organizations accountable for serious human rights abuses and forced labor practices," and "We will work with all partners to ensure that products made with forced labor in Xinjiang are excluded from U.S. commerce." The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act primarily prohibits the import of products from China's Xinjiang region suspected to be made with forced labor.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reiterated criticism of the U.S. announced 'Taiwan military support package.' A spokesperson said the U.S. decision violated the 'One China' principle and related U.S.-China agreements, stating, "China has strong dissatisfaction and firmly opposes this," and "We have submitted a stern representation (diplomatic protest) to the U.S. side."

They continued, "The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in U.S.-China relations," adding, "No one should underestimate the Chinese people's determination, firm will, and strong capability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

This stance by Chinese authorities is interpreted as an emphasis that China may take its own countermeasures, including retaliatory cards such as export controls on gallium and germanium-related items that came into effect the previous day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.