Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang announced the revision of the maritime transport regulations to include the “necessary countermeasures” against countries that “impose or support bans, restrictions, or other discriminatory measures targeting Chinese operators, vessels, or crews.” The amendment to the regulations comes two weeks before US fees on Chinese vessels or vessels operated by companies from the Asian country come into effect.
Specifically, one of the articles is amended such that if a country or region that has a treaty or agreement with China on international maritime transport violates its provisions and causes loss or damage to China, the Chinese Government may demand that those actions cease, adopt compensatory measures, and, if necessary, suspend or terminate the fulfillment of its obligations.
The article insists that any country that adopts or supports the adoption of discriminatory measures of prohibition or restriction against Chinese operators, vessels, or crews, the Chinese Government may respond with countermeasures, including imposing special fees on vessels from that country that dock at Chinese ports, prohibiting or restricting the entry and exit of their vessels from Chinese ports, and prohibiting or restricting their organizations from obtaining data or conducting activities related to maritime transport to or from Chinese ports.
The decision is made two weeks before the United States implements the new port tariffs aimed at Chinese vessels. Specifically, the tariffs will apply to both vessels built in China and those operated by Chinese companies.
