Ministry of Commerce: China's countermeasures to U.S. "301 probe" are legitimate self-defense

China’s Ministry of Commerce has defended new special port service fees targeting U.S.-linked vessels as a lawful and necessary countermeasure to Washington’s discriminatory trade actions.

The ministry said the decision was made in response to Washington’s April 17 announcement of Section 301 measures imposing port fees on Chinese vessels, set to take effect on October 14.

China described the U.S. action as a violation of international trade norms and the China–U.S. maritime transport agreement, accusing Washington of disrupting fair and orderly maritime commerce.

The ministry stressed that China’s countermeasure is a legitimate act of self-defense aimed at safeguarding the rights and interests of Chinese shipping and shipbuilding enterprises.

It also urged the United States to “act prudently, correct its wrong practices,” and work with China “in the same direction to resolve issues through dialogue and cooperation on an equal footing.”