China imposes new port charges on US ships in tit-for-tat move

"It is clearly discriminatory and severely damages the legitimate interests of China's shipping industry, seriously disrupts the stability of the global supply chain, and seriously undermines the international economic and trade order," the Chinese ministry said.

Last year, Chinese shipyards built more than 1,000 commercial vessels, while the US constructed fewer than 10, according to military and industry analysts.

For US vessels berthing at Chinese ports from October 14, the rate will be CNY400 ($56.13) per net tonne, the Chinese transport ministry said.