According to a report released by Reuters on September 16, the U.S. government is formulating a series of measures aimed at weakening the operational influence of Chinese companies in key global ports. Multiple informed sources indicated that the White House is considering supporting Western private enterprises in acquiring stakes in Chinese-owned ports to gain control over vital maritime shipping routes.

 Trump administration officials believe that the United States' current overreliance on foreign ports and vessels could compromise its wartime military logistics capabilities. Data shows that as of August 2024, Chinese companies have invested in 129 port projects worldwide, while China's shipbuilding capacity has reached 230 times that of the United States. The U.S. government has portrayed this as a potential security threat, claiming America would be at a disadvantage in the event of conflict.

Reports indicate that the U.S. is particularly focused on Chinese port investments in the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions. Take the Port of Piraeus in Greece as an example: COSCO Shipping Group holds a 67% stake in the port, and this vital hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa has become a key monitoring target for the U.S. Similar situations exist in ports in Spain and Jamaica, with U.S. think tanks even labeling China's investment in Kingston Port as a “significant security risk.”

To counter this trend, the U.S. government plans to impose special port fees on Chinese vessels starting October 14, 2025, with an initial rate of $50 per net ton, gradually increasing to $140 over three years. Analysts suggest this move aims to economically pressure shipping companies into reducing their use of Chinese vessels.

The Chinese Embassy in the United States issued a firm response, emphasizing that China's port cooperation within the framework of international law is entirely lawful and resolutely opposing any form of unilateral sanctions or economic coercion. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that the competitive edge of China's shipbuilding industry stems from technological innovation and market principles, while the fundamental cause of the decline in the U.S. shipbuilding sector lies in its long-standing protectionist policies.

Notably, reactions from relevant countries have been inconsistent. Greek officials denied any plans to alter control over the Port of Piraeus, while Spain's Foreign Ministry stated it had received no related communications from the U.S. Jamaica's former prime minister predicted that the U.S. might intensify pressure on Caribbean nations to reduce economic and trade ties with China.

Experts caution that U.S. protectionist practices could inflate global shipping costs and disrupt the stability of international supply chains. Domestic U.S. research reports acknowledge that the decline of its shipbuilding industry is an inevitable consequence of excessive protectionism. Blaming China for this situation lacks factual basis and defies basic economic principles.