China Denounces New US 'Forced Labor' Tariffs as 'Typical Protectionism'

China sharply criticized the Trump administration after the US imposed additional tariffs on major trading partners including South Korea and China, citing forced labor provisions.

In a statement issued July 27 in the name of its spokesperson, China’s Ministry of Commerce said Beijing has consistently opposed forced labor and has strictly prevented and cracked down on such practices through its legal system.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative on July 23 imposed new forced-labor tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 countries, including South Korea and China, under Section 301 of the Trade Act. Imports from China are now subject to an additional 12.5% tariff.

The ministry said the US has long politicized the forced-labor issue and strongly opposed Washington’s use of that issue as a pretext for unilateral tariffs, calling it a typical example of unilateralism and protectionism.

It also pointed to repeated US statements that tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA, and import surcharges under Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act would be replaced with Section 301 tariffs. During US-China economic and trade talks, Washington had said the replacement tariff on Chinese goods would be kept below 20%, according to the statement.

The ministry said China’s countermeasures against the so-called fentanyl tariffs and reciprocal tariffs remain in effect. It added that Beijing would closely monitor Washington’s next moves and take all necessary response measures if needed.

It also urged the US to immediately withdraw the unilateral tariff measures and correct its mistake. The ministry called for the two sides to continue dialogue on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and to jointly implement agreements reached in trade negotiations.

Kim So-yeon, Hankyung.com reporter sue123@hankyung.com