A leading Chinese industry association has strongly condemned recent restrictive measures imposed by the United States on China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, describing the sanctions as politically motivated and detrimental to global trade stability.
In a statement issued on Friday, the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) said the U.S. actions undermine international cooperation and disrupt the free flow of goods, particularly at a time when the global economy is still recovering from pandemic-induced shocks and supply chain constraints.
“The U.S. restrictions are not only unjustified but also harmful to the global maritime and logistics ecosystem,” the association said. “Targeting China’s shipbuilding and logistics industries under the guise of national security sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the foundational principles of fair trade.”
The U.S. government earlier this week announced a new wave of measures aimed at curbing China’s influence in critical industrial sectors, including sanctions and tightened export controls targeting Chinese companies involved in shipbuilding, marine logistics, and dual-use maritime technologies. U.S. officials cited concerns over military-civil fusion and the potential use of commercial assets for strategic purposes.
However, the Chinese industry group argues that the sanctions are part of a broader strategy by Washington to contain China’s industrial advancement, especially in sectors where Chinese firms are gaining competitive ground globally.
“These sectors are essential not only to China’s economy but also to the smooth functioning of international trade routes,” CANSI stated. “Weaponizing trade in this manner jeopardizes mutual trust and cooperation between two of the world’s largest economies.”
China is home to some of the world’s largest shipbuilders and is a dominant player in global container shipping and logistics services. The country’s rapid growth in maritime infrastructure has made it a critical hub for global supply chains. Analysts warn that restrictions on Chinese firms in these sectors could reverberate across international markets, potentially increasing shipping costs and delivery times worldwide.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has also responded to the U.S. actions, calling them a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and vowing to take “necessary countermeasures” to defend the interests of Chinese enterprises.
“We urge the United States to immediately reverse these unreasonable measures,” the ministry said in a press briefing. “China will not sit idly by while its lawful rights and development interests are harmed.”
Diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing have continued to escalate over issues ranging from technology and trade to security and sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific region. This latest development is seen as another flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry between the two economic superpowers.
Industry observers warn that if left unresolved, the dispute could spark broader trade retaliations and further strain already fragile global shipping networks.
source: english.news.cn