Recently, the international financial field has been stirred up by a piece of news — a new policy from the Trump administration is about to be implemented, which directly targets Chinese vessels and aims to impose fees on them.

This move may seem ordinary at first glance, but it actually hides a complex strategy. What kind of strategic conspiracy lies behind it? Moreover, what's more unexpected for Washington is that China has responded proactively.

So, will U.S. ports face an embarrassing situation of being "ignored"?

According to the plan published by the U.S. government, starting from the 14th of this month, any vessel built in China, operated or owned by Chinese enterprises, will face fees when entering U.S. ports.

Although the specific fee details are not yet fully clear, some professional analysis institutions estimate that a standard container ship with a capacity of 10,000 containers could pay over $1 million in fees when docking at U.S. ports, and there is a possibility of continuous increases in this fee standard.

The purpose of the Trump administration's move is quite obvious — it is clearly attempting to suppress China's shipbuilding industry through administrative means.

Their hidden agenda is to support the American domestic shipbuilding industry and thus encourage other countries to reduce orders from China's shipbuilding industry.

However, this move by the Trump administration is actually a desperate attempt.

From a global perspective, the U.S. unilateral action of imposing fees on Chinese vessels is almost despicable, making the U.S. government look rather awkward in the international public opinion.

The facts are clear — the competitiveness of the U.S. shipbuilding industry against China's is no longer evident.

Looking back at last year, the number of commercial ships built by U.S. shipyards was less than 10, while Chinese shipyards delivered over 1,000 commercial ships.

If there were fair market competition, the U.S. shipbuilding industry would not only fail to catch up with China, but in the future, it might not even be able to see the "tail lights" of China's shipbuilding industry.

In such a helpless situation, the Trump administration had no choice but to resort to trade protectionism, hoping to suppress China's shipbuilding industry through these improper means.

But reality is harsh — this move by Trump cannot stop the vigorous development of China's shipbuilding industry.

In fact, after the U.S. announced its port fee plan, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) still placed an order for 12 ships with China, which fully demonstrates that the market still favors the mature and strong Chinese shipbuilding industry.

Moreover, the Trump administration's port fee policy has had the opposite effect, possibly leading to the neglect of U.S. ports.

Previously, large shipping companies such as MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, and CMA CGM have withdrawn ships related to China from U.S. routes, aiming to reduce or avoid the new fees.

Chinese shipping companies have also taken active measures to avoid this new fee, and some ships may even choose to abandon U.S. ports.

However, maritime transport is the most widely used international transportation method, and the U.S. is a major destination for Chinese exports. Chinese companies cannot completely abandon U.S. ports.

If Trump's port fee policy takes effect, Chinese companies will inevitably have to pay an additional fee.

Then, does Trump just need to move his fingers slightly, and Chinese companies will have to pay willingly, handing money to the U.S. without question?

The answer is obviously no.

Today's China has enough confidence and courage to say "no" to any hegemonic behavior by the United States.

Trump probably never imagined that before his port fee policy took effect, China had already acted proactively.

Last month on the 29th, the official announcement was made regarding the amendment of the "China International Maritime Transport Regulations," which explicitly states that China will take countermeasures against any country or region that implements or supports discriminatory measures against China's maritime and supporting businesses.

This regulation is clearly aimed at the Trump administration.

Next, as long as the Trump administration dares to impose fees on Chinese vessels, China's countermeasures will come as scheduled.

After receiving this "ultimatum," Washington will likely have to carefully consider it.

As for China's specific countermeasures, there are multiple possibilities.

First, China may impose equivalent fees on the U.S., or even charge higher fees on all U.S.-made vessels operated by U.S. companies.

This move will directly hit the U.S. shipping industry, making U.S. companies feel the pressure brought by increased costs.

Second, China may continue to target specific U.S. goods, such as soybeans, corn, and liquefied natural gas, by imposing additional fees, in response to the Trump administration's discriminatory actions.

These goods play an important role in U.S. exports, and imposing additional fees will affect the interests of the relevant industries in the U.S.

In addition, China can consider using legal means to file a lawsuit against the U.S. under the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), using international rules to protect its own legitimate rights and interests.

In summary, China's countermeasure toolbox is rich in "treasures."

As long as the Trump administration truly starts charging fees on Chinese vessels on the 14th, China's targeted countermeasures are very likely to follow closely.

At that time, the U.S. will inevitably pay a heavy price for its rash behavior, not only affecting its domestic industries but also potentially damaging its image and credibility internationally.

The game on the international financial stage — who will win, let us wait and see.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7556610943493341732/

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