In this Aug 3, 2017 photo, Gao Feng, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce, speaks at a press conference in Beijing, China. (PHOTO / MINISTRY OF COMMERCE)

BEIJING - The so-called "forced labor" in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is completely non-existent and imaginary, and the spotless white Xinjiang cotton brooks no smearing, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said Thursday.

"We oppose any external forces interfering in Xinjiang-related matters and China's internal affairs. We also oppose sanctions imposed on Chinese individuals and entities based on lies and false information, and on the pretext of so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang," MOC spokesperson Gao Feng said at a press conference.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said China's public opinion shall not be trampled

With regard to the so-called business decisions made by some foreign companies based on erroneous information, Chinese consumers have responded with concrete actions, Gao said.

It is hoped that those companies will respect the law of the market, rectify their wrong actions and avoid politicizing business issues, the spokesperson said.

"The Chinese government always welcomes and supports the normal business operations of transnational corporations in China and their efforts to build industrial and supply chains," he said.

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"Meanwhile, we welcome foreign companies to come and visit Xinjiang themselves, and stand ready to provide support for companies from all countries to trade and invest in Xinjiang," he added.

Public opinion shall not be trampled

Also on Thursday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said China's public opinion shall not be trampled.

Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the backlash in China against Swedish retailer H&M's announcement concerning Xinjiang's cotton products.  

Calling Xinjiang-sourced cotton one of the world's best, Hua said the decision not to opt for it only means losses for relevant enterprises.

The accusations concerning the so-called forced labor in Xinjiang are purely malicious lies fabricated by certain anti-China forces aimed at tarnishing China's image, undermining Xinjiang's security and stability and containing China's development, Hua said.

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Providing more employment opportunities for people including the ethnic minorities would normally be seen as a positive since it means improvement of livelihood, Hua said.

"Why do some people hold fast to the idea that this means forced labor and untold suppression? The reason is these things have literally been practiced for over 100 years in their history, so they are now measuring others by their own yardsticks," the spokesperson said.

"We are open to welcoming foreign firms and personnel to live and work in China, but we are opposed to the malicious attacks and even practices aimed at damaging China's interests based on rumors and lies," Hua added.