China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday the opening of an investigation into the United States over its 'trade barriers' against several economies, including China, for excess manufacturing capacity and alleged forced labor. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Commerce Ministry explained that in response to the investigations initiated by the US in the middle of this month, China is 'reciprocally' launching two investigations into trade barriers imposed by Washington. The first is due to the practices and measures of the US under Section 301 against several economies, including China, based on accusations of 'excess capacity' and of prohibiting the import of products made with forced labor. The second investigation is aimed at Washington's actions that 'hinder trade in green products,' according to the statement. The Ministry of Commerce of China will advance in these investigations in accordance with the Foreign Trade Law and the rules on investigations into barriers to foreign trade, and 'will take corresponding measures based on the results, with the aim of firmly safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests,' the spokesperson said. These investigations are announced one day after the meeting held in Cameroon between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, on the eve of the summit scheduled for mid-May in Beijing between the presidents of both countries. During the meeting, Wang expressed Beijing's 'firm concern' over the investigations launched by the US. The Chinese commerce minister also urged the US official to 'avoid harmful competition' between the two countries, 'maintain close communication' and move forward jointly 'looking ahead' to promote 'healthy, stable and sustainable development' of bilateral ties.
