China slams U.S. probe into maritime, shipbuilding sectors

China on Friday expressed strong opposition to the United States' actions following its investigation into China's maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors.

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said China has repeatedly reaffirmed its stance on the Section 301 investigation and submitted a non-paper outlining its position, urging the United States to stop blaming China for its domestic industrial issues.

Describing the measures as a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, the spokesperson said they severely harm the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, seriously disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains, blatantly violate WTO rules, and fundamentally undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system and international economic and trade order.

China urged the United States to respect the facts and multilateral rules and to cease its wrongful actions, the spokesperson said, adding that China will closely monitor developments and resolutely take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.