China has retaliated against the United States after Washington imposed new port charges on Chinese-operated and constructed vessels. Beijing stated on Friday that the action would disrupt trade across the world and not help revive America’s shipbuilding industry.
The new policy, which is part of Donald Trump’s larger economic policy, involves high fees and proposed tariffs aimed at China’s dominance of cargo handling and shipping.
China Denounces the Charges as Destructive
Foreign Ministry spokesperson of China, Lin Jian made comments that the introduction of port charges would be “harmful to both parties.” In his view, the policy will increase shipping fees all over the world and render production and logistics unsteady. According to him, “They won’t have the success they have in making America’s shipbuilding industry grow.
The swift response follows US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s announcement of the rules, stating that they are meant to cut Chinese dominance over maritime logistics. Greer further stated that the changes will ensure America’s economic future and restore its shipbuilding capacity.
What the New Port Fees Include ?
Under the new rules, only Chinese-linked ships will be taxed—either Chinese-built or Chinese-operated. These ships must pay fees per tonnage or container for their US-bound voyages, not for each port stop.
The fee is steep. For example, a 15,000-container ship might be charged $1.8 million. The minimum fee is $18 per net ton or $120 per container and will be charged up to five times a year. But the fee can be waived if the shipowner purchases a new US-built ship.
Greer also announced future tariffs on Chinese-built ship-to-shore cranes and other cargo gear.
Online Chinese Response Goes Viral
As Chinese authorities criticize the policy through diplomatic means, social media participants react with humor. Chinese netizens, through AI-crafted memes, ridicule the US dependency on the products produced by Chinese hands. In a popular viral video, one user opens his palms to show “nothing” when asked what US products he has.
These messages have swamped Chinese platforms, heading the trending lists. Most depict Trump’s trade war as comical and unsuccessful.
Global Supply Chain at Risk
This clash is more than a two-way trade squabble. It exposes underlying concerns about the vulnerability of global supply chains. Experts caution that singling out cargo infrastructure could have unintended consequences. As supply chains become increasingly intertwined, any dislocation can ripple through economies across the globe.
Furthermore, the US effort to restore manufacturing at home might take decades, while short-term cost increases could affect consumers and smaller logistics companies on different continents.
