China to take necessary steps if US bans imports from Xinjiang: MOC

Opposing the US plan to ban imports of products from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), China’s ministry of commerce (MOC) recently said it will take necessary measures to protect its lawful rights and interests. The US plan to ban such imports through domestic legislation and in the name of human rights is‘an act of unilateralism, protectionism and bullying’, MOC spokesperson Gao Feng told a press briefing.

The US decision, which disregards facts, goes entirely against the principles of the World Trade Organisation, seriously undermines international economic and trade order as well as free trade rules, and will gravely hurt the interests of enterprises and consumers from both countries, Gao was quoted as saying by official Chinese media.

The sanction will severely damage the fundamental human rights of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, such as the right to subsistence and development, Gao said, warning that the decision will also exacerbate the strain on the global supply chain and affect global economic recovery.