Beijing: China announced Friday that starting Tuesday it will begin charging US ships for docking at Chinese ports, in retaliation for Washington's imposition of fees on Chinese vessels entering US ports. The Chinese Transport Ministry stated that the US fees, imposed this April, 'seriously violate' principles of international trade and the China-US Maritime Shipping Agreement, causing "serious damage" to maritime trade between China and the US.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US vessels will be charged 400 yuan ($56) per net ton by China, compared to the $50 per net ton that the US is charging Chinese vessels, with costs set to rise in the coming years. The fees will apply to vessels owned or operated by companies, organizations, people, and entities in which US stakeholders hold at least a 25% ownership share, as announced by the ministry. Additionally, ships built in Washington or flying the American flag would also be subject to these new fees.

In April, the US government declared fees on vessels constructed in China following a US trade representative review. This review, conducted by the Biden-Trump administrations, concluded that China's actions, policies, and practices were irrational and hindered or burdened US trade. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China is responsible for 53.3% of the world's shipbuilding, while the US accounts for a mere 0.1%.

The move comes after Beijing increased export restrictions on rare earths and associated technology earlier this week. Rare earth elements are essential to high-tech sectors, including electronics, automotive, and military. Additionally, ahead of negotiations with the US, Chinese authorities have recently increased tensions by targeting US tech giants in legal cases.