China accuses Biden administration of lying about bringing up genocide, forced labor with Xi

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the White House's claim that "genocide" and "forced labor" were addressed by President Biden on a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told the media on Thursday that Biden raised ethical concerns over ethnic genocide and forced labor in China.

The Chinese ministry denied the conversation entirely, saying, "According to White House Press Secretary, ‘genocide' & 'forced labor’ came up in last night’s call between Chinese & US Presidents. That is disinformation."

Separately, a similar message by the ministry called the alleged conversation "pure lies" and "false information."

"Pure lies," ministry spokesperson Lijian Zhao said of the claim by the White House. "White House spokesperson said the issues of genocide and forced labor were mentioned in the call last night, that is false information."

China has been accused of imprisoning up to 3 million Uyghurs, and carrying out forced sterilizations and abortions as well. Chinese authorities describe the camps are "re-education" facilities combating Islamic extremism.

The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that prevents the importation of goods made via forced labor in the Xinjiang region, went into effect in December.

Biden's call with Xi on Thursday morning was the longest between the two.

According to a Chinese readout of the call, Xi warned Biden against defying Beijing's will on Taiwan.

The White House said the call — the fifth between Biden and Xi — began at 8:33 a.m. ET and lasted two hours and 17 minutes.