BEIJING, (Xinhua) — The China Gold Association (CGA) has issued a solemn statement, firmly opposing the recent move by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to add several Chinese gold enterprises to the so-called “Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List,” which bars goods produced by these enterprises from entering the United States.
In its statement, the association stresses that the so-called “forced-labor” allegations concerning Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China are entirely fabricated. It adds that China’s gold industry strictly abides by laws and regulations, protects all legitimate rights and interests of its employees, and ensures full compliance and transparency throughout the entire mining development process.
The association said the U.S. restrictions, based on a presumption of guilt, are essentially an attempt to politicize human rights and pursue trade protectionism.
The CGA also voiced strong opposition to the suspension of affected Chinese firms’ Good Delivery status by the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA). The LBMA, according to the statement, acted subsequently without conducting adequate fact-checking and relied on false information, thereby infringing on the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises and undermining the stable functioning of the international gold market.
China boasts a complete gold industrial chain with sufficient resilience to withstand external risks. The association voiced its full support for the Chinese government’s official stance and all necessary countermeasures, vowing to defend national interests and the lawful rights of domestic enterprises.
It urged the U.S. side to cease sanctions and suppression based on false information, and called on the LBMA to uphold its neutral and professional principles, respect facts, and correct its inappropriate decision.
“The global gold industry should adhere to mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and work together to preserve a fair and orderly international gold market order,” the association said.
