China strongly opposes rude interference of China's internal affairs by the U.S. and other governments, a spokesperson of Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday, in response to U.S. and other countries' ban on cotton and tomato produce from Xinjiang, adding that forced labor is categorically outlawed in China.
The response comes after the U.S. banned entry of all cotton products and tomatoes produced in Northwest China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Canada joined Britain on Tuesday in announcing similar steps to ban the same imports.
The U.S. and its close allies restrict exports of Xinjiang produce and suppress Xinjiang-based institutions and enterprises is based on fabricated information and lies, and represents a gross interference in China's internal affairs, which China is strongly against, Gao Feng from MOFCOM said on Thursday.
Cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang play important roles in global industrial supply chains, and restrictive measures would only worsen supply chain security and impede global economic recovery, Gao said.
China strongly urges relevant countries to immediately stop their wrongdoing. China will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, Gao added.
