China: Allegations of Forced Labor in Xinjiang are a "Big Lie"

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated on Wednesday that claims regarding the forced labor of individuals in the Xinjiang region are nothing more than a "big lie" aimed at tarnishing China's reputation, and that it is the complete opposite of reality. Wang said, "The U.S. exploits this lie to blacklist Chinese entities and hinder China's development," adding that "the country will take measures to protect the legitimate rights of Chinese companies." These comments from the spokesperson came after the United States imposed restrictions on imports from three more Chinese companies on Tuesday, in an attempt to stop goods that it claims are tainted by the forced labor of Uyghur individuals in the supply chain to the U.S.