China calls on U.S. to remove tariffs imposed over forced labour allegations

China's Ministry of Commerce has called on the United States to remove unilateral tariffs imposed on Chinese goods under what Beijing describes as the pretext of so-called forced labour.

The appeal came on Monday after the United States announced additional Section 301 tariffs affecting 60 economies, including China, following a forced labour-related investigation.

Responding to the move, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said Beijing has consistently opposed forced labour and has established a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to prevent and combat such practices.

The spokesperson argued that the United States has repeatedly used the issue of forced labour as a trade tool, noting that Washington has not ratified the International Labour Organization's 1930 Forced Labour Convention.

According to the ministry, the latest Section 301 tariffs represent another example of unilateralism and protectionism, a position China said it firmly opposes.

The spokesperson also said the United States had previously indicated that any replacement tariffs on Chinese goods, introduced after legal challenges to other tariff measures, would not exceed 20 percent. Beijing noted that the current replacement tariffs stand at 12.5 percent, while China's retaliatory measures against earlier U.S. tariffs remain in place.

China urged Washington to reverse what it described as its "wrong practices" by eliminating the unilateral tariff measures.

The ministry said Beijing will continue to monitor U.S. actions closely and reserves the right to take any necessary countermeasures.

Despite the disagreement, China reiterated its willingness to continue economic and trade dialogue with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The ministry said both countries should work together to implement agreements reached during previous trade consultations, expand practical cooperation and promote a stable and constructive bilateral relationship.