China lodges 'representations' with US over 'forced labor' probe during Paris talks

ISTANBUL

China said Monday that it had lodged "representations" -- a vague term generally referring to a protest -- with the US over a probe into alleged forced labor, during high-level trade talks currently underway in Paris.

"We urge the United States to immediately correct its erroneous practices, meet China halfway, adhere to the principles of mutual respect and equal consultation, and find a solution to the problem through dialogue and consultation," the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement.

The US has launched a Section 301 investigation targeting alleged forced labor practices in top trading partners, including Canada, China, the European Union and Mexico, along with dozens of other countries.

Washington's announcement came ahead of ongoing talks between the Chinese and US delegations in Paris, where Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are leading the three-day talks that began Sunday.

"We will closely monitor the progress of the US investigation and reserve the right to take all necessary measures to resolutely defend our legitimate rights and interests," said the ministry.

It rejected what it called the “fabricated claims” of forced labor used to impose trade restrictions on Chinese products.

China opposes forced labor, it said, adding that Beijing is a founding member of the International Labour Organization and has ratified 28 international labor conventions.

The ministry accused the US of politicizing the issue, pointing out that Washington has not ratified the 1930 Forced Labor Convention.

The probe cites concerns that such practices give foreign producers an unfair price advantage. While some countries have adopted measures to curb forced labor imports, the UN filing said none have been fully enforced.