China Slams U.S. Actions on Maritime and Shipbuilding Sectors
Beijing, October 2023 — China has voiced strong opposition to recent U.S. measures targeting its maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries. A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on Friday that the actions “severely harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises” and “gravely disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains.”
The U.S. initiated a Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime sectors, a move that Beijing considers a “typical act of unilateralism and protectionism.” The Chinese spokesperson urged the United States to “respect the facts and multilateral rules” and to cease “blaming China for its domestic industrial problems.”
China emphasized that such measures violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and undermine the international economic and trade order. The spokesperson warned that China will “closely monitor U.S. actions and resolutely take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
Industry Associations Speak Out
Three major Chinese industry associations have also condemned the U.S. actions. The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing stated that the measures would “severely undermine the interests of logistics providers, ship and cargo owners, importers and exporters, and consumers in both countries.”
The federation cautioned that increased international logistics costs could “undermine the stability of global industrial and supply chains” and “endanger global economic growth.” They called on global peers in the logistics and supply chain industries to strengthen cooperation to maintain smooth operations despite the challenges posed by U.S. trade protectionism.
Echoing these sentiments, the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry criticized the U.S. measures as “unjustified” and a “blatant violation” of international trade rules. The association suggested that rather than reviving the U.S. shipbuilding industry, these actions might “drive up international shipping costs” and “exacerbate inflationary pressures” in the United States, ultimately affecting American livelihoods.
The China Shipowners’ Association highlighted the crucial role Chinese shipowners play in maintaining global supply chains. They noted that Chinese shipping companies adhere to international trade norms and consistently provide “stable and reliable logistics services,” including trade with the United States. The association urged the U.S. to halt “politically driven investigations and discriminatory measures” to prevent further damage to the global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.
