CCTV News: According to the website of the Ministry of Commerce, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce responded to reporters’ questions regarding China’s announcement of countermeasures against the US Section 301 investigation and restrictions on China’s shipbuilding and other industries.
Q: We have noticed that the Ministry of Transport and others have issued announcements to take countermeasures against the United States’ Section 301 investigation and restrictions on China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding industries. Can you brief us on the relevant situation?
Answer: On April 17, Eastern Time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the final measures of the Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding fields. Among them, the measures to levy port fees on Chinese-related ships will be officially implemented on October 14. The US measures are a typical act of unilateralism, are obviously discriminatory, and seriously harm the interests of Chinese enterprises. China is strongly dissatisfied with this and has repeatedly stated its firm opposition.
In order to safeguard the interests of relevant domestic industries, relevant Chinese authorities, in accordance with the "International Shipping Regulations of the People's Republic of China" and other relevant regulations, charge special port fees for ships with American elements such as American flags, American manufacturing, ownership, participation or operation by American companies. The above measures will be officially implemented on October 14 at the same time as the US government’s measures to impose port fees on Chinese-related ships.
China emphasizes that the relevant countermeasures are aimed at maintaining a fair competitive environment in the international shipping and shipbuilding markets and are acts of "legitimate defense." We hope that the United States will consider carefully, correct its wrong practices, meet China halfway, and find a solution to the problem through equal consultation and cooperation.
