China has strongly opposed Washington’s new port fees and restrictions targeting its maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, calling the measures a blatant act of protectionism that violates World Trade Organisation (WTO) principles.
The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said the US actions, imposed under the so-called Section 301 investigation, undermine fair competition and discriminate against Chinese enterprises. Beijing argues that such unilateral policies not only harm Chinese industries but also disrupt global supply chains, inflate trade costs, and fuel domestic inflation in the US itself.
In response, China announced a special port service fee on vessels linked to the United States, including those built, owned, or operated by US companies. The MOFCOM spokesperson warned that these countermeasures are consistent with Chinese law and aim to protect national and industrial interests.
Chinese authorities have also placed certain foreign companies that assisted the US probe on a countermeasure list and initiated investigations into acts that harm China’s shipping and shipbuilding sectors. Officials emphasised that China’s actions will follow principles of fairness and transparency.
Reaffirming Beijing’s firm stance, the spokesperson said China remains open to dialogue but “will fight to the end” if forced into confrontation, urging the US to reverse its “wrongful actions” and restore normal trade relations through mutual respect.
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