BYD objects to reports of ‘slavery-like’ conditions at Brazil site, AP reports

Chinese automaker BYD (BYDDF) slammed reports regarding poor conditions at a Brazilian construction site where it is building a factory, arguing the allegations were aimed at ‘smearing’ China and Chinese brands, AP’s Elaine Kurtenbach reports, citing a company spokesperson. The response comes after a Brazilian task force said it had rescued 163 Chinese nationals that were working in “slavery-like” conditions at the site. “In the matter of smearing Chinese brands, smearing China, and attempting to undermine the friendship between China and Brazil, we have seen how relevant foreign forces maliciously associate and deliberately smear,” said BYD spokesperson Li Yunfei on Weibo.