China Amends International Shipping Regulations... "Response to U.S. Trade Act Investigation"

"Port Entry Fees and Bans Imposed on Countries Discriminating Against China"

China has amended its domestic regulations to enable a response to U.S. sanctions imposed on its shipping industry.

AP Yonhap News

According to Xinhua News Agency and other sources on September 30, Premier Li Qiang signed and promulgated the amended "China International Shipping Regulations" on September 28. The revised regulations stipulate that if a country that has signed or participated in international shipping treaties or agreements with China violates the rules and causes losses to China, or hinders the achievement of the objectives of such treaties or agreements, the Chinese government may demand that the country cease its actions or suspend the treaties or agreements.

The new regulations also state that if any country or region imposes discriminatory bans or restrictions on Chinese international shipping operators, vessels, or crew, "the Chinese government may take necessary countermeasures based on the actual situation." Chinese authorities explained that specific countermeasures could include imposing special fees when docking at ports, prohibiting or restricting entry to Chinese ports, and banning access to China's international shipping data and information.

Prior to this amendment, the United States had announced plans to impose tariffs and port usage fees, claiming that Chinese shipbuilding and shipping companies had dominated the global market through various unfair means. Earlier, in April of this year, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) decided to impose port entry fees on Chinese shipping companies, shipping companies operating Chinese-built vessels, and foreign-built automobile carriers. These fees will be gradually implemented starting October 14.

In this context, Chinese financial media outlet Caixin, citing industry sources, interpreted the announcement of the amended regulations as a countermeasure against the United States. Caixin reported, "The imposition of costs through the U.S. Trade Act Section 301 investigation is clearly a discriminatory act against Chinese shipowners and breaks the shipping agreement signed between the two countries in 2003." The outlet added, "China will have the right to impose restrictions on U.S. shipowners and shipbuilders, collect fees, or ban entry to Chinese ports."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.