China opposes new US tariffs, rejects 'forced labor' claims

China on Wednesday voiced firm opposition to the United States' announcement of new additional tariffs, urging Washington to resolve trade issues through dialogue rather than unilateral measures.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning made the remarks after the US said it would impose tariffs of 10 percent to 12.5 percent on imports from 60 economies, including China and China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, claiming they had failed to curb trade in products made with "forced labor".

"China has consistently opposed unilateral tariff measures in all forms," Mao said. "A tariff war or trade war serves no one's interests. Economic and trade issues should be resolved on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, through dialogue and consultation."

She stressed that there is no so-called forced labor in China, and that Beijing opposes using this as a pretext for political manipulation.