Beijing: China has imposed countermeasures on five U.S.-linked subsidiaries of South Korea’s shipbuilding giant Hanwha Ocean, escalating tensions in global maritime trade. According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, organizations and individuals within China are now barred from engaging in any transactions, collaborations, or related activities with these entities. The move comes amid deepening trade and strategic rivalries between Beijing and Washington.
The ministry stated that the affected Hanwha subsidiaries had allegedly assisted U.S. government investigations that “jeopardize China’s sovereignty, security, and developmental interests.” While Hanwha Ocean did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the announcement underscores China’s increasing willingness to use economic tools to protect its strategic industries.
This development coincides with the simultaneous implementation of port fees by China and the United States targeting each other’s vessels. China, however, has exempted its domestically built ships from these fees. Earlier in 2025, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump had announced plans to levy fees on China-linked ships as part of a strategy to reduce Beijing’s influence over the global maritime industry and support the U.S. shipbuilding sector. Beijing condemned the U.S. measures as a “serious violation of international law and fundamental norms of international relations,” responding with its own fees targeting U.S.-linked vessels.
The sanctions and reciprocal fees reflect an intensifying economic and geopolitical standoff, with the global shipbuilding and logistics sectors caught in the crossfire. Analysts suggest that such moves may disrupt shipping routes, increase operational costs for international fleets, and deepen the rift between China and countries aligned with U.S. maritime interests.
As the situation develops, industry stakeholders and governments worldwide are closely monitoring the impact of these measures on global trade flows, supply chains, and the broader strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific maritime domain.