Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian thus responded to President Donald Trump’s decision to apply these levies on all United States ports to counter Beijing’s dominance in the global shipping industry.

According to the spokesman, the development of China’s shipbuilding industry stems from technological innovation and active participation in market competition.

“This industry has contributed significantly to world trade and the stable and secure operation of global supply chains,” he commented.

Lin pointed out that research conducted in the United States showed that the loss of competitiveness of that sector in the North American country is due to years of overprotection.

“The U.S. blames China for its problems, which has no factual basis and contradicts economic common sense,” the spokesman said.

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