In response to the United States' release of final measures from its Section 301 investigation concerning "forced labor," a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated on July 27 that China will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively assess subsequent U.S. actions, while reserving the right to take all necessary measures.

A reporter inquired: On July 23, Eastern Time, the U.S. Trade Representative, based on the results of the Section 301 investigation into "the failure to prohibit the import of goods produced with forced labor," issued final measures. These include imposing Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies, including China, with an additional 12.5% tariff on Chinese goods. What is China's response to this?

The spokesperson stated that China has always opposed forced labor and has established a comprehensive labor law and regulatory system, resolutely preventing and cracking down on such practices. In contrast, the United States has not only failed to ratify the 1930 Forced Labour Convention but has also long manipulated the "forced labor" issue. By initiating a Section 301 investigation and imposing unilateral tariffs under the pretext of "forced labor," the U.S. is engaging in typical unilateralist and protectionist behavior, which China firmly opposes.

The spokesperson also noted that the U.S. has repeatedly indicated its intention to use Section 301 tariffs to replace the tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the 12.2% import surcharge, which have been ruled invalid. The U.S. explicitly committed during Sino-U.S. economic and trade consultations that the alternative tariffs on Chinese goods would not exceed 20%. Currently, the U.S. alternative tariff on Chinese goods stands at 12.5%, and China's countermeasures against the U.S.'s first round of so-called fentanyl tariffs and reciprocal tariffs remain in effect.

The spokesperson urged the U.S. to correct its erroneous practices and completely abolish the relevant unilateral tariff measures. China is willing to continue dialogue and consultations with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit to address each other's concerns. It is hoped that the U.S. will work in the same direction as China, jointly uphold and implement the consensus reached in economic and trade consultations, continuously reduce the list of issues, extend the list of cooperation, and make greater contributions to a constructive and stable strategic relationship between China and the U.S.