COSCO Shipping denounces U.S. measures targeting China's maritime, logistics, shipbuilding sectors

Responding to U.S. Trade Representative's discriminatory decision concerning the Section 301 investigation into China's maritime logistics and shipbuilding industries, China COSCO Shipping Corporation Ltd said on Monday that the company firmly opposes the U.S.' accusations and the subsequent measures.

"Such measures not only distort fair competition and impede the normal functioning of the global shipping industry, but also threaten its stable and sustainable development. Ultimately, these actions risk undermining the security, resilience, and orderly operation of global industrial and supply chains," the company said in a statement posted on its official WeChat account.

As a responsible global provider of shipping and logistics services, we consistently uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and compliance in international industry competition. We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting global trade and delivering high-quality, reliable commercial shipping and logistics solutions to our clients worldwide, it said.

We will continue to safeguard our clients' interests while offering a comprehensive range of dependable services. We encourage all clients to stay informed about specific service offerings and protective measures provided by our subsidiaries across various business segments, the company noted.

China on Friday expressed strong opposition to the U.S. measures following its investigation into China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors.

China has repeatedly reaffirmed its views on the Section 301 investigation and presented the non-paper on its position, urging the U.S. to stop blaming China for its domestic industrial problems, said a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated at a regular press conference on Friday that "such measures as imposing port fees and levying tariffs on cargo handling facilities hurt the U.S. itself as well as others. The move not only hikes global maritime shipping costs and disrupts the stability of global industrial and supply chains, but also increases inflationary pressures in the U.S. and hurts the interests of American consumers and businesses."

Multiple Chinese industry associations issued stern statements on Saturday opposing the USTR's Section 301 action targeting China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.