The port fees that the United States charges on Chinese vessels will harm the global trade and weigh on American business and consumers, a Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman said on Friday.
Spokesman Lin Jian made the comment on the latest move of the U.S. administration to levy fees on all Chinese-built and -owned vessels docking in U.S. ports based on net tonnage or goods carried on each voyage.
"We've stated our position on the relevant questions many times. I hereby would like to reaffirm that imposing port fees and levying tariffs on cargo handling facilities hurt the U.S. itself as well as others. They will not only push up global maritime shipping costs and disrupt global industrial and supply chains, but also increase inflationary pressure in the U.S. and hurt the interests of American consumers and businesses," said Lin at a press briefing in Beijing.
"The practice will ultimately fail to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry. We urge the U.S. to respect facts and multilateral rules, and stop its wrongdoings at once. China will do what is necessary to defend its lawful rights and interests," he said.
U.S. imposition of port fees hurts trade, burdens American business, consumers: spokesman
U.S. imposition of port fees hurts trade, burdens American business, consumers: spokesman
U.S. imposition of port fees hurts trade, burdens American business, consumers: spokesman
U.S. imposition of port fees hurts trade, burdens American business, consumers: spokesman
Representatives from China and France expressed a strong commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors during an economic and trade forum in Lyon, France, on Thursday.
The event took place at the Chinese Consulate General in Lyon, bringing together scholars and representatives from business, finance, tourism, and other key sectors of both countries.
Lyon, a major industrial and economic hub in central France, has long served as a key player in China-France cooperation. Many attendees highlighted the city's historical and contemporary role in strengthening bilateral ties.
"The cooperation between Lyon and China has a long history, dating back to the days of the ancient Silk Road. Today, the newly established Sino-French Institute in Lyon further deepens mutual understanding between our peoples," said Philippe Valentin, president of the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
French business representatives see immense potential for deeper cooperation between the two nations.
"China is today, I would say, the top in terms of automotive, in terms of innovation and new patents. And we are also looking for a lot of different skills and innovation to develop our development and collaboration in China," said Herve Vericel, vice president of Business Development and Advanced Engineering of Saint Jean Industries.
Chinese participants also expressed confidence in the future of bilateral cooperation.
"From aviation and sustainable development to infrastructure, China and France not only share extensive common interests, but also have their distinct advantages," said Zhou Mi, senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Yu Jiang, consul general of China in Lyon, underscored the growing momentum of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
"People-to-people exchanges between the two countries will become faster and more frequent, making our friendship stronger and more enduring," he said.
Lyon trade forum highlights deepening China-France cooperation
