Beijing opposes Washington's plans to impose port fees on Chinese-made ships, and China will take measures to protect its interests.
This was announced by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
"China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute protest in this regard," the ministry said in a statement. “China will closely monitor developments in the United States and resolutely take necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests.
The ministry believes that the US plans cause serious potential damage to the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, destabilize production and supply chains, and violate World Trade Organization rules.
“They seriously undermine the rules-based trading system and the international trade and economic order“, the agency noted.
China calls on the United States to adhere to the principles of a market economy and fair competition, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.
Earlier, the Office of the US Trade Representative announced that the US would impose a port fee on Chinese-made ships, which will take effect in October and will gradually increase over the next three years. The new tax invoked Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which gives the US president the authority to take all necessary measures to counteract what the US considers to be restrictions on its trade with other countries.