China imposes punitive fees on US ships in response to Washington’s measures

BEIJING, Oct. 10 (YPA) – China announced on Friday the imposition of punitive additional fees on American vessels entering its ports, effective from October 14, in a mutual economic escalation.

Beijing considers this step a direct retaliation for similar measures recently imposed by Washington on Chinese ships.

The decision covers ships owned by US companies, those flying the American flag, or those manufactured in the United States. The fees start at 400 Yuan (about $56) per net ton and will gradually increase.

The American response was swift, with US President Donald Trump sharply attacking China, calling its actions “hostile,” and threatening a huge counter-response with a “massive increase in American tariffs.”

Observers see this escalation signals a new phase in the trade war between the two global powers, one that could extend into a confrontation at ports and in international waters.

YPA