US targets 2 China-based firms over forced labour in Xinjiang
- The move by Washington targets battery manufacturer Camel Group and Chenguang Biotech Group, which extracts plant ingredients
- The US says the aim is to promote accountability for ‘ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity’ against Uygurs and other minorities in the province
The United States will ban goods from two China-based companies as part of its effort to eliminate the use of forced labour practices in the US supply chain, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.
The action targets Camel Group, a battery manufacturer, and Chenguang Biotech Group, a spice and extracts manufacturer.
The firms are accused of working with China’s government to recruit, transport or receive forced labour, or members of persecuted groups like Uygur minorities out of the Xinjiang region.
The move aims to promote accountability for “the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity” against Uygurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups in Xinjiang, the department said.
“Today’s additions demonstrate the United States’ unwavering commitment to eliminating forced labour, including by ensuring that goods made by forced labour are not imported into our country,” said US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in a statement.