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Key Points

China has strongly opposed the United States' restrictive measures targeting its maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. The country's Ministry of Commerce announced special port fees on US-flagged and US-built vessels as countermeasures. Officials warned these US actions will disrupt global supply chains and increase trade costs significantly. China remains open to dialogue but prepared to fight if necessary to protect its interests.

Key Points: China Opposes US Maritime Logistics Shipbuilding Restrictions

  • China imposes special port fees on US-flagged and US-built vessels in retaliation
  • US measures violate WTO rules and undermine bilateral maritime agreements
  • Actions will disrupt global supply chains and increase international trade costs
  • Countermeasures target companies assisting US investigative actions
2 min read

China firmly opposes US restrictive measures targetting maritime, logistics, shipbuilding sectors

China imposes countermeasures including special port fees on US vessels, citing WTO rule violations and protectionism while warning of global supply chain disruptions.

"We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors remain open, should the US wish to engage in dialogue. - Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson"

Beijing, Oct 14

China has expressed strong dissatisfaction with and resolute opposition to the restrictive measures imposed by the United States, which are based on the so-called results of the Section 301 investigation into China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, the country's Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday.

A ministry spokesperson, responding to a media query, said the US actions reflect typical unilateralism and protectionism, seriously violate World Trade Organisation rules, undermine the principle of equality and mutual benefit in the China-US maritime transport agreement, and inflict severe damage on China's relevant industries.

China announced on October 10 that it will impose special port fees on ships that are US-flagged or US-built, or that are owned, partly owned, or operated by US enterprises, organizations, or individuals, according to the ministry.

The US measures will not only disrupt global supply chains and significantly increase international trade costs, but will also drive up domestic inflation in the United States, undermine the competitiveness and employment of US ports, and jeopardize the security and resilience of its own supply chains, the spokesperson said.

There is also significant opposition from US industry circles, clearly showing that the US approach harms others without benefiting itself, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson noted that, in accordance with relevant domestic laws and regulations, China has placed certain companies that assisted or supported US investigative actions on its countermeasures list, and has launched investigations into US actions and those of other entities that threaten the security and development interests of China's shipping, shipbuilding and related industries.

Throughout the investigation, China will carry out law enforcement and inquiries in accordance with the principles of openness, fairness and justice, ensuring the full protection of the rights of all parties involved, according to the spokesperson.

China's position is clear and consistent, the spokesperson said. "We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors remain open, should the US wish to engage in dialogue."

China urges the United States to correct its wrongdoings, meet China halfway, and resolve issues of mutual concern through dialogue and consultation on an equal footing, the spokesperson added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I understand China's position, I hope our government stays neutral in this conflict. India should focus on strengthening our own shipbuilding industry - this could be an opportunity for Make in India! 🚢
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Arjun K
The US protectionism is nothing new, but China's countermeasures seem well calculated. As someone working in logistics, I can see how this will impact global supply chains. Indian ports might benefit from this situation if we play our cards right.
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Sarah B
Living in Mumbai, I see how dependent we are on international shipping. These trade disputes between major powers always end up hurting smaller economies like ours. Hope our policymakers are prepared for the ripple effects.
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Vikram M
China's response shows they won't back down easily. While I appreciate their firm stance against unilateral actions, I hope this doesn't escalate further. Global trade needs stability, not more conflicts. 🙏
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Michael C
Honestly, both sides need to tone down the rhetoric. As an expat working in Chennai's port operations, I can already see shipping companies getting nervous. This tit-for-tat approach helps no one in the long run.

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