China’s commerce ministry criticized new tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese goods, describing them as unjustified and protectionist, and called on Washington to revoke the measures. On Friday, the US introduced tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on products from 60 trading partners, including the European Union and China, alleging that these countries had failed to prevent imports produced using forced labour. China was specifically assigned a 12.5% tariff rate under this latest action.

The ministry said the tariffs risked undermining the fragile trade détente achieved between the two countries last year and came at a sensitive time as preparations continue for a potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the US in September. In a statement, Chinese officials accused the US of long manipulating the forced labour issue to impose unilateral trade restrictions.

“This time, it (Washington) has again initiated a Section 301 investigation and imposed unilateral tariffs on the grounds of ‘forced labour,’ which is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, and China firmly opposes it,” the commerce ministry said. It added that China has consistently opposed forced labour and has put in place comprehensive labour laws and regulations aimed at preventing such practices.

The ministry also criticized the US for not ratifying the 1930 Forced Labour Convention and accused Washington of leveraging the forced labour issue for political and economic gain. Despite this, it noted that the new 12.5% tariff was within the limit of 20% agreed upon in previous trade discussions.

China urged the US to “correct its erroneous practices” and completely remove the unilateral tariffs. It also reserved the right to take all necessary measures in response to further US actions.

At the same time, the Chinese ministry expressed a willingness to continue dialogue with the US based on principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. It emphasized hopes that the two sides could implement the consensus reached in earlier bilateral trade talks, work to narrow their differences, reduce outstanding issues, and expand areas of cooperation.

The US administration has linked the new tariffs to allegations that some imports are produced using forced labour, particularly citing concerns about supply chains connected to China. The increased tariffs are part of ongoing efforts by the US to address labour rights violations and increase scrutiny on supply chains involving forced labour.

Analysts note that while the US is aiming to apply pressure to address forced labour, the measures could complicate trade relations at a time when both countries are engaging in high-level discussions to stabilize economic ties. China’s strong opposition signals continued tensions over trade and human rights issues amid broader geopolitical rivalry.