China made a joint statement at the Human Rights Council and condemned tariff abuses under the pretext of human rights

On June 25, 2026, Jia Guide, permanent representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, delivered a joint statement on behalf of a group of nearly 20 countries at the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, to expose and condemn the hegemonic practice of unilateral tariff under the pretext of "forced labour".

The joint statement pointed out that the eradication of poverty hinges on safeguarding everyone's right to work and the right to development. We firmly oppose forced labour. We are also seriously concerned about, and firmly oppose, the imposition of additional duties on other economies on the basis of unilateral accusations alleging a failure to curb imports of goods produced with so-called forced labour. The arbitrary imposition of tariff under the guise of so-called anti-forced labour measures will only infringe upon the right to development and the right to decent work of hardworking workers. Such practices can only destabilize global industrial supply chains and undermine collective efforts to eradicate poverty.

The joint statement emphasized that we urge relevant countries to respect facts, refrain from politicizing trade issues and weaponizing human rights, uphold the international economic and trading order and contribute to global development through tangible actions.

The joint statement received wide support, with Russia, Pakistan, Venezuela, Sudan, Cambodia and many other countries cosponsoring it, and many developing countries echoing its position in their national remarks.