China Denies Forced Labor in Xinjiang

China has strongly denied allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang, responding to a BBC report linking the region's tomatoes to such practices. Meanwhile, the U.S. is intensifying its crackdown on imports related to forced labor, adding 29 Chinese companies to its blacklist under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, bringing the total to 107. In a separate geopolitical development, China imposed sanctions on 13 American military enterprises over arms sales to Taiwan, which it views as a violation of the 'one China' principle. The tensions in the South China Sea escalated as Chinese coast guard vessels aggressively confronted a Philippine patrol ship, leading to condemnation from the U.S. The situation highlights ongoing disputes between China and its neighbors, as well as U.S. commitments to defend its allies in the region. Both the U.S. and China continue to exchange accusations regarding human rights and territorial integrity, complicating international relations.