Hong Kong slams Washington over port fees for Chinese vessels docking in US
Government condemns ‘bullying acts’ after Trump’s administration announces fees on vessels owned, operated or constructed by Chinese companies
Hong Kong authorities have condemned the US’ imposition of port fees on Chinese vessels docking in the country, calling the actions “blatantly discriminatory” and “deliberately dividing the international maritime community”.
The government on Friday night hit out at new port fees announced by US President Donald Trump administration’s on vessels owned, operated or constructed by Chinese companies. He earlier said the move was part of efforts to revive the American shipbuilding industry.
“The US measures are blatantly discriminatory, deliberately dividing the international maritime community and undermining the spirit of solidarity and cooperation built over the years,” a Hong Kong spokesman said. “Such actions fall short of the basic standards of international conduct.”
The spokesman said authorities condemned such “bullying acts” and emphasised that Hong Kong would continue to uphold the spirit of openness and cooperation, working with global maritime partners to safeguard free-trade principles and promote the healthy development of the international shipping industry.
He added that only by adhering to fairness and justice, mutual benefits and win-win cooperation could the common interests of the global maritime community be protected.
The Trump administration on Thursday finalised the port fees, targeting all Chinese-owned, operated and built ships docking in the US.