Transport Minister Liu Wei has called on global shipping firms and port operators to resist protectionism and promote free trade, following new US port fees targeting Chinese vessels, reports Hong Kong's South China Morning Post.

Speaking at the North Bund Summit in Shanghai, Mr Liu urged industry players to foster a fair and open trade environment. He said China would uphold mutual understanding and shared benefits to build a sustainable global shipping ecosystem.

The remarks come amid rising concerns over escalating US-China trade tensions. Mr Liu described the US fees on Chinese-built and operated vessels as "unilateralism and protectionism."

China responded with a reciprocal charge of CNY400 ($56) per net ton on US ships. He said the measures were necessary to protect China's shipping industry.

US President Donald Trump introduced the fees earlier this month. Beijing also tightened controls on rare earth exports, prompting Trump to threaten a 100 per cent tariff on all Chinese-made goods.

US-built ships represent just 0.1 per cent of global shipbuilding, while Chinese shipyards account for 53.3 per cent, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Business leaders have urged both sides to de-escalate. Eugene Seroka, CEO of the Port of Los Angeles, said shipping lines are working hard to support customers and maintain stability.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping may meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later this month, raising hopes for easing tensions.

Mr Liu reaffirmed China's commitment to building a green shipping industry. The summit, themed "collaboration for a sustainable global shipping industry," gathered over 400 delegates from more than 50 countries.

Shanghai remains the world's busiest container port, handling 51.5 million TEU in 2024, a 5 per cent increase year-on-year. Throughput for the first three quarters of 2025 reached 41.5 million TEU, up six per cent.