China urges firms to follow law after Brazil sues BYD over forced labor

By Saadet Gokce

BEIJING (AA) — China on Thursday called on its companies to operate within legal boundaries after Brazilian authorities filed a landmark lawsuit against Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD Auto over alleged forced labor and human trafficking.

"As China stressed more than once, the Chinese government attaches great importance to the legitimate rights and interests of workers and has asked Chinese companies to do business in accordance with laws and regulations," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a regular press briefing.

Her remarks came in response to a question about the case, which involves claims of “slavery-like” conditions and international trafficking of workers. The lawsuit, filed by Brazilian labor prosecutors, also targets two subcontractors working with BYD, according to The Rio Times.

The legal action follows a 2024 investigation into alleged labor violations connected to the Chinese automaker’s operations.