US forced labour probe: China urges Trump to ‘immediately correct erroneous’ trade practices
China on Monday pushed back against the United States over a new set of trade investigations launched last week, saying that it has “lodged representations” with Washington and calling on the US to “correct its erroneous ways.” The response comes as trade negotiators from the two countries gather in Paris for talks. The latest US investigations are aimed at 60 economies, including China, and will examine alleged “failures to take action on forced labor” and whether such practices place a burden on or restrict American commerce. These probes were announced a day after Washington opened a separate investigation focusing on excess industrial capacity among 16 trading partners, including China. Beijing’s foreign ministry criticised that move, describing it as “political manipulation.” In a statement, China’s commerce ministry urged Washington to take a different approach, saying: “We urge the US side to immediately correct its erroneous ways, meet China halfway… and resolve issues through dialogue and negotiations.” The ministry also criticised the forced labour investigations, describing the move as “extremely unilateral, arbitrary and discriminatory” and accusing the US of “attempting to construct trade barriers.” Chinese officials said they have formally “lodged representations” with the United States over the latest probes. The developments come as trade representatives from both countries met in Paris on Sunday, with Washington indicating the discussions would continue for two days. Concerns around forced labour in China’s western Xinjiang region have been raised by human rights groups and United Nations experts, particularly over alleged exploitation of minority communities. Beijing has consistently rejected the allegations, calling them “fabricated.” The two investigations announced by Washington are expected to take several months to conclude. Their findings could potentially support the introduction of new tariffs, especially after the US Supreme Court in February struck down sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Washington has said that Donald Trump plans to visit China between March 31 and April 2, though Beijing has yet to confirm the proposed dates. Trump told the Financial Times that the meeting might be delayed, noting that the planned summit could be postponed because of the Middle East war.
