China launches probe into impact of US Section 301 investigation on shipping, shipbuilding sectors

BEIJING, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Transport on Tuesday announced the launch of a probe into how the U.S. Section 301 investigation affects the security and development interests of China's shipping and shipbuilding sectors, as well as related industrial and supply chains.

According to an official statement, the probe, to be jointly carried out by departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, will also examine whether any related companies, organizations or individuals have implemented, assisted with or supported the discriminatory restrictive measures imposed by the United States.

Depending on the findings, the government will introduce measures in response at an opportune time, the statement said.

The Ministry of Transport early on Tuesday revealed a detailed document regarding measures to charge special port fees on ships owned or operated by U.S. enterprises, organizations and individuals in response to the U.S. move to impose additional port fees on Chinese ships after a Section 301 investigation.