Amid rising global concerns, the Chinese government has firmly denied allegations of \"forced labor\" in Xinjiang's tomato industry. During a press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed queries stemming from a BBC investigation that suggested tomatoes from Xinjiang, used in UK supermarket products like ketchup, might be harvested through coerced labor.
Lin Jian emphasized the region's commitment to ethical labor practices, highlighting that Xinjiang’s tomatoes are as renowned for their quality as the region’s cotton. He pointed out that advanced mechanization plays a pivotal role in the agricultural process, with mechanical harvesting rates surpassing 90% for tomatoes and 85% for cotton. \"How could there be such a thing as 'forced labor?'\" Lin questioned, underlining the government's stance against any form of labor exploitation.
The spokesperson's remarks aim to reassure international markets of the integrity and ethical standards upheld in Xinjiang's agricultural sectors. As global supply chains scrutinize the origins of their products, China's assertion seeks to maintain consumer trust and preserve the reputation of its high-quality produce.
Reference(s):
China refutes smears against Xinjiang on so-called "forced labor"
cgtn.com
