A reporter asked: On October 14, Eastern Time, the United States, based on the so-called 301 investigation results, formally implemented port fee restrictions and other measures targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. What is China’s response?
Answer: The US measures are typical unilateral and protectionist actions. They severely violate WTO rules, contravene the principle of equality and mutual benefit in the “Sino-US Maritime Agreement,” grant unfair competitive advantages to shipping and shipbuilding enterprises of relevant countries, constitute discriminatory practices against China’s shipping, shipbuilding, and other industries, and seriously harm the interests of China’s related industries. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this. On October 10, China announced that it would impose special port fees on vessels involving US elements, such as those flying the US flag, built in the US, or owned, participated in, or operated by US companies.
The US measures not only affect the stability of the global supply chain and significantly increase international trade costs, but will also push up domestic inflation in the US, harm the competitiveness and employment of US ports, and impact the security and resilience of the US’s own supply chain. There are also many opposing voices within the US industry, which fully demonstrates that the US approach harms others without benefiting itself and is not conducive to the development of its own shipbuilding industry.
To further safeguard the interests of China’s related industries, the relevant Chinese authorities, in accordance with the “National Security Law of the People’s Republic of China,” the “Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People’s Republic of China,” the “International Maritime Transportation Regulations of the People’s Republic of China,” and other relevant provisions, have included some enterprises that assisted and supported the US-related investigation activities into the countermeasures list. An investigation has been initiated into the actions of the United States and certain countries and enterprises that endanger the security and development interests of China’s shipping, shipbuilding, and other related industries. During the investigation process, China will conduct law enforcement and investigations in accordance with the principles of openness, fairness, and justice, fully safeguarding the rights of all interested parties.
China’s position on the relevant issues is clear and consistent. If a fight is picked, we will fight to the end; if talks are sought, our door remains open. China urges the US to correct its wrong practices, move in the same direction as China, and resolve issues of mutual concern through equal dialogue and consultation.
