On February 23, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce responded to a reporter’s question regarding the proposed restrictive measures announced by the United States targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.
The spokesperson stated that since March 2024, the two sides have engaged in multiple rounds of communication regarding the U.S. investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. China has repeatedly expressed its views on the Section 301 investigation and provided a non-paper outlining its position, urging the U.S. to return to rationality and objectivity and to stop blaming China for the development issues of its domestic industries. However, it is regrettable that the U.S. continues to act unilaterally, moving further down the wrong path.
A reporter asked: On February 21, Eastern Time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced that it would solicit public comments on the restrictive measures it plans to take against China in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. What is the Ministry of Commerce’s response to this? The spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce provided the above response.
The spokesperson stated that the U.S. imposition of Section 301 tariffs on China had previously been ruled by a WTO panel as a violation of WTO rules and faced opposition from many WTO members. Driven by domestic political needs, the U.S. has abused the Section 301 investigation tool, further undermining the multilateral trading system. The proposed restrictive measures, such as imposing port fees, suggested by the U.S. are detrimental to both others and itself.
These measures will not revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry but will instead increase transportation costs for shipping routes related to the U.S., raise domestic inflationary pressures, reduce the global competitiveness of U.S. goods, and harm the interests of U.S. ports, terminal operators, and workers. There is also significant domestic opposition to these measures in the U.S. Relevant countries and organizations have also expressed opposition and dissatisfaction with the U.S. investigation.
The spokesperson stated that China urges the U.S. to respect facts and multilateral rules and to cease its erroneous practices. China will closely monitor U.S. actions and take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.