Talking about imposing 100% tariffs on China, the Chinese side also released a major news that caught the US off guard. Not only that, but the special time chosen by China is to confront the US directly.

Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on China

Recently, after China issued the latest rare earth ban, Trump was furious and threatened to impose 100% tariffs on China. What Trump did not expect was that China not only did not compromise, but also announced a major news at the same time, once again hitting the US in the pain spot, and the timing chosen had deep meaning.

The Chinese Ministry of Transport announced that starting from October 14, 2025, a "special port service charge" will be levied on ships docking at Chinese ports. It is divided into five categories, including ships made in the United States, operated by American companies, and ships flying the American flag. In addition, China also announced specific charging standards, with transparent rules.

It is worth noting that October 14 is the day when the US's "Section 301" measures against Chinese vessels come into effect. In April this year, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued Section 301 investigation measures targeting China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, deciding to officially impose port service charges on Chinese vessels on October 14.

Chinese shipyards

Choosing the same day to retaliate against the US in the same way, the purpose is obviously clear. The outside world generally believes that China's move is an accurate response to the US policy, while Reuters called this confrontation a "mutual countermeasure in the maritime field" between China and the US, and October 14 has become the "day of confrontation" in Sino-US economic and trade disputes.

However, many voices believe that the size of the US fleet in China is far smaller than the Chinese fleet in the US, which means that in this confrontation between China and the US, China can cause limited damage to the US, but China may suffer significant damage. However, looking at the details, this view is actually incorrect, because China's countermeasures are definitely not just for show.

The big hole on the "Truman" aircraft carrier

Although the number of ships built in the United States is indeed far less than that of China, the number of ships operated by American companies or invested by American capital is not small. In the notice, China clearly stated that any ship operated or manufactured by American companies with more than 25% equity must pay port service fees. Industry professionals said that this is a big business.

It should be noted that the US's fee on Chinese vessels stems from its Section 301 investigation conclusion, which claims that China has so-called "non-market behavior" in the shipping, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. However, it is obvious to everyone that this is merely a pretext for Trump to revive the American shipbuilding industry. Latest data shows that global shipping companies continue to order ships from China in large numbers.

Container ships docked at the port

This means that Trump's move has not worked. Even American media have openly stated that there is a huge difference in shipbuilding capabilities between China and the US. The "Truman" aircraft carrier, which was damaged, has been under repair for eight months without being fixed, indicating that the US's ability in shipbuilding and repair has severely declined.

The US is trying to compete with China for "maritime dominance", but it might end up losing more than it gains. The mutual charging between China and the US will lead to a significant increase in global shipping costs. Shipping companies face two choices: absorb the costs or pass them on to consumers. Either way, it will further increase global inflationary pressures.

Regarding this, China simply wants to say that the problem was started by the US, and China is only using reasonable means to protect its legitimate rights and interests. If there is a need to settle accounts, the account should be settled on the US side.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7559898938145391143/

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