China denied the presence of forced labor in the country, slamming the U.S. for using probes on the issue as a pretext for additional tariffs, Beijing's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said Wednesday.
"There is no such thing as 'forced labor' in China, and we oppose using this as a pretext for political manipulation," Mao said in a regular press briefing.
Beijing has "consistently opposed all forms of unilateral tariff measures," Mao said.
She also called on the U.S. to use dialogue to resolve trade issues.
Section 301 inquiries by the U.S. found that 60 economies, including China and Hong Kong, failed to impose forced import prohibitions, according to a report by the U.S. Trade Representative released June 2.
Following the investigation, the USTR proposed a 12.5% tariff on China, among other countries mentioned in the report.