Recently, Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, together with several Special Procedure mandate holders, issued erroneous remarks on so-called "forced labor" in China's ethnic minority regions. These remarks attack and smear China's image. China strongly deplores and firmly opposes them. 

Currently, ethnic minority regions in China, such as Xinjiang and Xizang, enjoy social stability, economic development, ethnic unity, and religious harmony. The people there are living and working in contentment. Historic achievements have been made in the cause of human rights.  Workers of all ethnic groups in China choose their occupations of their own will. In accordance with laws and regulations such as the Labor Law and based on the principles of equality and voluntariness, they sign labor contracts with relevant enterprises and receive corresponding remuneration. They also enjoy complete freedom in choosing their place of employment. The rights of workers of all ethnic groups in China, such as the right to rest and vacation, occupational safety and health protection, and access to social insurance and welfare, are all protected by law. The so-called claims of "forced labor" among China's ethnic minority populations are completely lies fabricated by certain anti-China forces. They defy common sense and facts. The so-called "concerns" fabricated by certain experts are completely unfounded.

Certain countries and anti-China forces deliberately fabricate and spread lies about "forced labor" and other issues concerning China's ethnic minorities. Their purpose is to rely on political manipulation to achieve the sinister goal of suppressing China's industrial competitive advantages. These countries, act in complete violation of market rules and business ethics, arbitrarily undermine international economic and trade rules, and will only disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains, disturb the international trade order, harm their own interests and credibility. The stone they are lifting will will end up falling on their feet.

Since China's reform and opening-up, over 800 million people have been lifted out of poverty. China's contribution to global poverty reduction exceeds 70%, and it has achieved the poverty reduction target of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of schedule. China's poverty alleviation efforts aim to improve the lives of all Chinese people, including the vast number of our ethnic minority compatriots. They are a reflection of the path of poverty reduction with Chinese characteristics and must not be slandered. Certain anti-China forces, viewing things through tinted glasses, smear policies and measures that promote labor employment and poverty alleviation for ethnic minorities as "forced labor." This is not only filled with ideological prejudice but also deliberately ignores the tremendous achievements of China's poverty alleviation and the basic fact that people of all ethnic groups are striving for a better life.

The relevant Special Procedure mandate holders have blatantly violated the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures, credulously accepted false information and baseless lies fabricated by anti-China forces, acted as the "vanguard" in smearing and suppressing developing countries, and attempted to undermine the prosperity and stability of China's ethnic minority regions such as Xinjiang and Xizang. We urge the relevant mandate holders to respect the authoritative information provided by the Chinese government, perform their duties justly and objectively, abide by the mandates of the Human Rights Council and the Code of Conduct for Special Procedures Mandate Holders, and avoid being used by or assisting anti-China forces.