US sanctions on Xinjiang firms are an 'act of blatant bullying'

Measures go against international law and interfere in China's internal affairs

The United States has trampled on international laws, Chinese business interests and labor rights by arbitrarily sanctioning several enterprises in China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on "massive forced labor" grounds, a senior Xinjiang official said on Friday.

Askhar Tursun, deputy head of the region's commerce department, said they are indignant about, and strongly opposed to, such a move, which is a hideous manifestation of US "long arm jurisdiction" in Chinese territory.

The response came as the US Department of Commerce this year slapped sanctions on multiple Xinjiang businesses, citing "forced labor" concerns. Affected businesses include Aksu Huafu Color Spinning Co, Changji Esquel Textile Co and Hotan Taida Apparel Co.