Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

China on Friday slammed the US for concocting a lie with so-called "forced labor" claims and expressed opposition to using it as a pretext for political manipulation. 

Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the comments on Friday at a regular press conference when asked for comment regarding recent media reports that the Office of the US Trade Representative said on Thursday local time that it had launched probes under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 into "unfair foreign practices" by 60 economies, citing their alleged failure to take action against so-called "forced labor," and among the 60 economies, China and Russia are also on the list.  

China's position on handling China-US economic and trade issues has been consistent and clear. China opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures, and tariff wars and trade wars do not serve the interests of either side, Guo said.  

The two sides should resolve relevant issues through consultation on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, the spokesperson said. 

The so-called "forced labor" is entirely a lie fabricated by the US side, and China opposes using it as a pretext for political manipulation, the spokesperson noted.

Global Times