China gets even with US port fees

With 12 days to go before the US Trade Representative imposes hefty port fees on Chinese-owned, operated and built ships, China has revised its international maritime rules, enabling it to strike back against countries discriminating against its fleet.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a new State Council decree, allowing the country to take “necessary countermeasures against countries or regions that impose or support discriminatory bans, restrictions, or similar measures targeting Chinese operators, vessels, or crew engaged in international maritime transport and related services.”