Q: We note that the Ministry of Transportation and other issued an announcement that the United States has taken counter-measures against China's 301 investigation restrictions on the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding industry, can we present the relevant situation?

A: On April 17, U.S. Eastern Time, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced the final measures for the 301 investigation into China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding fields. Among them, the measures to levy port fees on China-related ships will be officially implemented on October 14. The US measures are typical unilateralism, are obviously discriminatory, and seriously harm the interests of China companies. China is strongly dissatisfied with this and has repeatedly stated its firm opposition.

In order to safeguard domestic relevant industrial interests, the relevant departments of the Chinese side shall, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the International Maritime Transport Regulations of the People's Republic of China, charge special port charges for ships involving U.S. flags, U.S. made, U.S. companies owned, participated in or operated with U.S. elements.

China emphasizes that relevant countermeasures are aimed at maintaining a level playing field in the international shipping and shipbuilding markets and are "legitimate defense" actions. It is hoped that the United States will consider carefully, correct its wrong practices, move in the opposite direction with China, and find a solution to the problem through equal consultation and cooperation.