US is where forced labor truly exists: Xinjiang spokesperson

URUMQI, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The United States is where forced labor truly exists, said Xu Guixiang, a spokesperson with the government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at a press briefing on Friday.

"The United States is notorious for its slave trade and forced labor history. Even today, modern slavery is still widespread in the country. Many immigrants are trafficked to sweatshops, where deplorable forced labor and labor exploitation are prevalent," Xu told a press conference on Xinjiang-related issues

According to Xu, the labor issue is deep-rooted in the United States. Historically, the country wantonly trafficked slaves and Chinese workers, and oppressed Native Americans. In recent years, the United States has deliberately evaded its labor protection responsibility, resulting in rampant human trafficking, shocking forced labor cases in agriculture, and widespread child labor abuse, among others.

"It is a country of modern-day slavery," Xu said.

In recent years, workers' strikes in various industries in the United States have broke out frequently due to dissatisfaction with working environment and salaries, said Elijan Anayat, another spokesperson for the regional government.

"We urge the United States to cease its political manipulation of the labor issue and take a good look at itself to earnestly face up to and solve its own problems," said Elijan Anayat.