U.S. Plans Additional Tariffs on Chinese Economies Citing ‘Forced Labor’; China’s Foreign Ministry Condemns Political Manipulation

On June 3, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning presided over a regular press conference. A Reuters reporter asked: The Trump administration has announced it will impose additional tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 economies, including China and Hong Kong, China, after the U.S. previously determined these economies had failed to curb trade in products linked to forced labor. What is China’s response?

Mao Ning stated that China consistently opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures. Tariff wars and trade wars benefit no one. Economic and trade issues should be resolved through dialogue and consultation on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.

When a reporter followed up on this issue, Mao Ning reiterated that she had just outlined China’s position on tariff issues. She stated that so-called forced labor does not exist in China, and China opposes the use of this as a pretext for political manipulation.