China's 15th Five-Year Plan and the Expansion of Forced Labor

In March 2023, China unveiled its 15th Five-Year Plan, which aims to enhance the country's dominance in critical sectors such as semiconductors, clean energy, and artificial intelligence. However, a significant aspect of this plan is its reliance on a state-imposed forced labor system targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. This exploitation is seen as a crucial component of China's strategy to secure a competitive edge in global mineral markets.

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Xinjiang is pivotal to China's ambitions, holding 83.5% of the nation's beryllium reserves and controlling 99% of global lithium iron phosphate battery production. The region's abundant coal reserves provide subsidized energy, with industrial electricity costing approximately 2.7 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to 7.5 cents in the U.S. and 22 cents in the European Union. This disparity in energy costs, combined with the exploitation of forced labor, creates a structural advantage for Chinese producers in the processing of critical minerals.

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The Chinese government is actively expanding its forced labor programs, utilizing advanced technology such as artificial intelligence to monitor and direct Uyghur workers. The recent passage of the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law further entrenches these policies, mandating Mandarin-first practices and increasing surveillance. This law aims to promote a singular Chinese identity while suppressing ethnic diversity.

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As the U.S. prepares for diplomatic discussions, it is crucial for President Joe Biden to address these human rights abuses directly. The administration has emphasized the importance of free and fair trade, indicating that it will not tolerate market manipulation through forced labor. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, enacted in 2021, is a legislative measure aimed at prohibiting the importation of goods linked to forced labor from Xinjiang.

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Critics argue that the U.S. must take a more vigorous stance against China's forced labor practices. Samir Goswami, director of Forced Labor Programs at Global Rights Compliance, highlights the need for accountability and justice for affected communities, including Uyghurs and Kazakhs. There is a growing consensus that the U.S. should enforce existing laws more systematically to prevent products made with forced labor from entering its markets.

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As President Biden prepares for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, there is an opportunity to raise these pressing concerns about forced labor and its implications for global trade. The U.S. is also expected to continue its efforts to ensure that trading partners demonstrate compliance with regulations against forced labor.

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• “China’s economic plans depend heavily on forced labor.” — Samir Goswami, Director of Forced Labor Programs at Global Rights Compliance

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• “will only compete on the basis of free and fair trade and will not tolerate efforts to manipulate critical mineral markets through systemic forced labor.” — U.S. Administration Statement

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• “Most importantly, we must continue to support Uyghur, Kazakh and other Turkic communities in the face of China’s ongoing repression and genocide.” — Samir Goswami

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The implications of China's forced labor practices extend beyond human rights concerns, affecting global supply chains and economic competition. The international community's response will be critical in addressing these systemic abuses.

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