China Labor Watch’s Executive Director, Li Qiang, authored an article in the South China Morning Post, “U.S. Tariffs Signal Need for Stronger Labor Protections in China”, making the case that amid intensifying U.S.-China trade tensions, tariffs could serve as a wake-up call for China to reform its labor practices rather than being punitive. Li argues that improving working conditions is both a moral responsibility and an economic opportunity—and that Beijing should embrace the moment to pursue a more sustainable growth model.
Key Takeaways:
Tariffs expose the limits of China’s labor model. Forced overtime, wage withholding, and worker exploitation increased in response to tariff-induced production demands—especially in supply chains linked to fast fashion giants like SHEIN.
U.S. protectionism is rooted in labor grievances. America’s working class is pushing back against decades of industrial decline and unfair competition. Tariffs reflect this political momentum and signal that “low-standard trade” is no longer tolerable.
China’s dependence on U.S. exports is declining—but risks of violations of labor rights persist. Although exports to the U.S. now represent just 11% of China’s total exports, the country remains vulnerable to external shocks, particularly when they factories are pushed to rush production and workers are made to toil in abusive conditions.
Addressing labor issues is an economic strategy, not just a rights issue. By enforcing its own laws—such as limits on overtime and guaranteed rest—China could reduce unemployment, boost consumption, and transition toward a fairer, demand-driven economy.
Seizing The importance of political will. China could pilot reforms in sectors like textiles and electronics, offer tax incentives to compliant firms, and strengthen labor inspections to build a more equitable workforce and ease international tensions.
The article argues that tariffs need not lead to confrontation. If Beijing takes the opportunity to improve labor standards, it can transform short-term external pressure into long-term domestic resilience.
To read the full op-ed, please see: “US tariffs a wake-up call for China to improve labour standards“
Image by Quân Lê Quốc from Pixabay
