Q: What considerations led China to announce the initiation of an investigation on October 14 into the impacts on the security and development interests of the shipping industry, shipbuilding industry, and related industrial and supply chains?
A: The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced final measures on April 17 regarding its Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, which were formally implemented on October 14. The US measures seriously violate WTO rules, contravene the principle of equality and mutual benefit in the Sino-US Maritime Agreement, represent typical unilateralist behavior, and severely harm the interests of Chinese industries and enterprises. China has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition. In response to the legitimate concerns and rightful demands of relevant parties, and to safeguard the security and development interests of China’s shipping industry, shipbuilding industry, and related sectors, China has decided to initiate an investigation in accordance with laws and regulations including the National Security Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the People’s Republic of China and its implementing provisions, and the International Maritime Transportation Regulations of the People’s Republic of China.
China will investigate the actual or potential impacts of the US Section 301 investigation on the security and development interests of China’s shipping industry, shipbuilding industry, and related industrial and supply chains. The investigation will also examine whether relevant enterprises, organizations, or individuals have implemented, assisted, or supported US restrictive measures against China in the shipping industry, shipbuilding industry, and related industrial and supply chains, as well as other relevant matters. Subsequently, based on the facts and the findings of the investigation, corresponding measures will be introduced in accordance with the law at an appropriate time.
