China has condemned a new United States trade investigation into alleged industrial overcapacity and forced labour. The criticism comes just days before fresh trade talks between the two countries in Paris.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said Washington has no right to decide unilaterally whether another country has excess industrial capacity. The ministry said the U.S. is using its Section 301 trade investigation unfairly to impose restrictions.
The U.S. announced the investigations on Wednesday. Officials said they will examine claims of excess industrial production and forced labour involving several trading partners, including China.
Beijing said it is reviewing the probe and may respond with countermeasures if necessary.
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry also rejected the forced labour claims. The official described the allegations as fabricated and politically motivated.
Paris Talks to Test Fragile Trade Truce
Despite the tension, both countries will hold another round of trade talks in France this weekend.
China confirmed that Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead its delegation from March 14 to March 17.
The United States delegation will likely include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Officials expect the discussions to prepare the ground for a planned meeting later this month between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
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The upcoming meeting will mark the sixth round of negotiations since the U.S. raised tariffs on Chinese goods last year.
Beijing quickly responded with export restrictions on key minerals and new tariffs on American products. The moves pushed import duties on both sides to extremely high levels.
However, tensions eased slightly after a truce was reached during earlier negotiations and a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea in October.
Both countries later rolled back several of the trade measures.
Diplomats say the Paris talks could determine whether the fragile trade truce between Washington and Beijing will hold.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
