The White House on Friday criticized China for profiting from human rights abuses and said it was watching the issue of forced labor closely.

-The international community, in our view, should oppose China’s weaponizing of private companies’ dependence on its markets to stifle free expression and inhibit ethical business practices- White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters when asked about reports China was exerting pressure on companies that had committed to not using products made with forced labor.

-It is something we are watching closely- she said. -I would expect that (the departments of) State and Commerce will have more to say on this later today.-