The United States Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday the addition of three more Chinese companies to its Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List, bringing the total number to 27. The move intensifies scrutiny over alleged forced labor practices in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
“We do not tolerate companies that use forced labor, that abuse the human rights of individuals in order to make a profit,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas in a statement. The U.S. government asserts that these measures are necessary to prevent goods produced under forced labor conditions from entering American markets.
The UFLPA, enacted in December 2021, presumes that all goods manufactured in Xinjiang are made with forced labor unless proven otherwise. This has led to increased compliance requirements for businesses importing products from the region, notably impacting sectors such as textiles and solar components.
China, however, firmly denies the allegations of forced labor. Officials from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region emphasize that the rights of all ethnic groups are protected, and that efforts have been made to expand employment opportunities and improve living standards. According to regional data, total employment in Xinjiang rose from 11.35 million in 2014 to 13.3 million in 2019, marking a 17.2 percent increase.
“The accusations are unfounded and ignore the substantial progress made in the region,” said a spokesperson for the Xinjiang government. “Our focus has been on creating jobs and ensuring that all residents can choose their occupations freely.”
Analysts suggest that the U.S. actions are part of broader geopolitical tensions between the two countries. “This move can be seen as part of the ongoing strategic competition,” said Dr. Li Ming, a professor of international relations. “Trade restrictions and entity listings are tools used to exert pressure.”
The escalating measures have raised concerns among global businesses and investors operating in the region. Companies are now navigating complex regulatory landscapes while trying to maintain supply chain integrity. The situation underscores the challenges faced by multinational enterprises amid rising geopolitical frictions.
As the U.S. continues to implement policies targeting specific regions and industries within China, stakeholders are closely watching for potential impacts on global trade dynamics and economic relations between the two nations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
