The U.S. unilateralism and protectionism in the shipbuilding sector will only push up global shipping costs and disrupt global industrial and supply chains, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday in Beijing.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on Wednesday imposing docking fees on Chinese ships at U.S. ports.
When asked to comment on the U.S.move, Lin said that the United States is shifting blame to China, and it has lost its competitive advantages long ago due to its excessive protection.
"The development of China's shipbuilding industry is driven by companies' technological innovation and active participation in market competition. It has made important contributions to global trade development and the stable and smooth flow of the global supply chain. Multiple U.S. research reports showed that the U.S. shipbuilding industry had lost its competitive edge long ago due to its excessive protection. It lacks factual basis and runs counter to economic common sense for the U.S. to blame its own problems on China," said Lin.
"The unilateral and protectionist bullying practices by the U.S. are unpopular and will only drive up global shipping costs, disrupt the stability of the global industrial and supply chains, and harm the interests of countries worldwide. In the end, these measures will not revive the U.S. shipbuilding industry," he added.
China slams U.S. protectionism in shipbuilding
China slams U.S. protectionism in shipbuilding
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
