China Condemns US Trade Investigation Before Weekend Paris Negotiations

Chinese officials criticized a new US trade investigation examining alleged industrial overcapacity and forced labor practices. The dispute adds tension as both nations prepare for trade discussions in Paris this weekend.

BEIJING, March 13 – Chinese officials on Friday criticized a recent United States trade investigation examining alleged excessive industrial production capacity, stating they maintain the authority to implement counter-responses as both countries prepare for upcoming trade discussions this weekend.

According to China’s Commerce Ministry statement, the United States lacks authority to “unilaterally” assess whether a trade partner maintains “overcapacity” via its Section 301 investigation process and implement one-sided restrictive actions.

When the US announced its investigations Wednesday targeting excessive industrial capacity and forced labor practices, China was identified among the trade partners under scrutiny.

The ministry stated that China is evaluating these investigations and maintains the authority to implement all necessary actions to protect its rights and interests.

On Friday, a representative from China’s Foreign Ministry rejected the forced labor accusations, describing them as “a lie concocted by the U.S.”

These trade investigations contribute to challenging topics that Beijing and Washington must address while preparing for US President Donald Trump’s scheduled Beijing visit at March’s end to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

China’s Commerce Ministry confirmed Friday that the France trade discussions are anticipated to establish foundations for the upcoming summit.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will head a delegation to France from March 14 through March 17 for these negotiations, while the American delegation is anticipated to feature Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

This represents the sixth negotiation round since Trump previously targeted Beijing with increased tariffs last year. Beijing responded with export restrictions on essential minerals and implemented its own tariff actions, elevating import duties on mutual goods to restrictive amounts.

Following a ceasefire achieved through earlier negotiations and a leaders’ meeting in South Korea during late October, both China and the United States have subsequently reversed most of their trade restrictions.