by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

In a new development announced this week, China has decided to update its regulations on international maritime transport in response to the USTR port fees.

According to China's state news agency, Xinhua, the revised regulations allow taking "necessary countermeasures against countries or regions that impose or support discriminatory bans, restrictions, or similar measures targeting Chinese operators, vessels, or crew engaged in international maritime transport and related services."

The new decree, signed by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, came into effect on 28 September 2025.

The measures include provisions that allow China to seek remedial action and suspend or terminate its own commitments under a maritime treaty if a partner country or region fails to fulfil its obligations.

This particularly refers to cases when such failure infringes on China's rights or obstructs the treaty’s objectives in the maritime sector.

Analysts noted that the revised rules could enable China to impose special port fees on vessels from countries that impose discriminatory bans or restrictions against Chinese operators.

China may also block or restrict ships from entering or leaving its ports or deny foreign organisations access to shipping data and services.