China: US measures on Xinjiang threaten global trade

China's government on Thursday rejected U.S. accusations of forced labor in Xinjiang and accused Washington of hurting global trade after U.S. lawmakers endorsed import curbs on products from the region.

The latest measure approved Wednesday by the U.S. Senate would block imports of goods made with forced labor in Xinjiang, where the ruling Communist Party is accused of holding more than 1 million members of mostly Muslim ethnic groups in detention camps.

The bill requires approval from the House of Representatives.

“The so-called human rights and forced labor issues in Xinjiang are completely inconsistent with the facts,” said a Ministry of Commerce spokesman, Gao Feng.

“The U.S. approach has seriously undermined the security and stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain,” he said. “China firmly opposes it.”

The measures add to rising pressure on companies that buy clothing, cotton, tomatoes and other goods from Xinjiang.

On Tuesday, the Commerce Department and other agencies warned companies with ties to the northwest region they "run a high risk" of violating U.S. laws against forced labor.

Chinese officials deny accusations of abuses in Xinjiang. They say the camps are for job training and combating radicalism.