China Denies Forced Labor, Slams US Probe as Tariff ‘Pretext’

China hit back at any suggestion it uses forced labor and said trade issues with the US should be sorted out in talks.

“So-called forced labor does not exist in China, and we oppose using this as a pretext for political manipulation,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at regular press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

Mao added that her country “consistently opposes unilateral tariff measures in all forms,” and said “economic and trade issues should be resolved through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and reciprocity.”

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