China has urged the United States to respect multilateral trade rules and immediately cease actions that violate international agreements.
On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to the U.S. release of a Section 301 investigation report targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. At a regular press briefing, Guo stated that the investigation seriously violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and is an act of protectionism.
“China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes such an act,” Guo declared, emphasizing that China has consistently expressed its stance on the matter.
Guo pointed out that multiple U.S. research reports indicate the American shipbuilding industry lost its competitive edge years ago due to overprotection. “The development of China’s related industries is the result of technological innovation by enterprises and active participation in market competition,” he said, highlighting China’s comprehensive industrial manufacturing system and vast domestic market as key factors.
The spokesperson criticized the Biden administration for blaming China for issues originating within the U.S., stating that such actions lack factual basis and contradict economic common sense.
Guo concluded by saying that China will closely monitor the investigation’s progress and will take all necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests.
