The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has responded to the US's final measures from the Section 301 investigation into "forced labor," stating it will closely monitor and comprehensively assess subsequent US actions while reserving the right to take all necessary measures.

A reporter noted that on July 23, Eastern Time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative released final measures based on the Section 301 investigation into "goods not banned from import due to forced labor," imposing Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies, including China, with a 12.5% tariff rate specifically on Chinese goods. When asked for China's response, the spokesperson stated that China has always opposed forced labor, has established a comprehensive labor law and regulation system, and resolutely prevents and combats forced labor practices.

In contrast, the spokesperson pointed out that the US has not only failed to ratify the 1930 Forced Labour Convention but has long manipulated the "forced labor" narrative. The current act of initiating a Section 301 investigation and imposing unilateral tariffs under the pretext of "forced labor" is a typical example of unilateralism and protectionism, which China firmly opposes.

The spokesperson further noted that the US has repeatedly indicated its intention to replace tariffs previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the 122 import surcharge, which have been ruled invalid by courts, with these Section 301 tariffs. The US explicitly committed during China-US economic and trade consultations that the replacement tariffs on Chinese goods would not exceed 20%. Currently, the US replacement tariff on Chinese goods stands at 12.5%. China's countermeasures against the US's first round of so-called fentanyl tariffs and reciprocal tariffs remain in effect.

The spokesperson urged the US to correct its erroneous practices and completely revoke all related unilateral tariff measures. China expressed its willingness to continue dialogue and consultation with the US on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit to address each other's concerns. It hopes the US 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, and expand the list of cooperation, thereby making greater contributions to a constructive and stable strategic relationship between China and the US.