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China’s Special Port Fee on U.S. Vessels Takes Effect on October 14

Huanqiu Times reported that on October 14, China’s Ministry of Transport issued the “Measures for Collecting Special Port Fees on U.S. Vessels,” consisting of ten articles and effective immediately upon publication. The following are Articles 2 through 5.

Article 2: Foreign vessels engaged in international maritime transport that dock at Chinese ports must pay the Special Port Fee for Vessels if they meet any of the following conditions:

  1. The vessel is owned by U.S. enterprises, organizations, or individuals;
  2. The vessel is operated by U.S. enterprises, organizations, or individuals;
  3. The vessel is owned or operated by enterprises or organizations in which U.S. entities directly or indirectly hold 25% or more of the equity (including voting rights or board seats);
  4. The vessel is registered under the U.S. flag;
  5. The vessel was built in the United States.

Vessels built in China under conditions (1) – (4) above are exempt from the fee. Empty vessels entering Chinese shipyards solely for repairs, as well as other vessels granted exemptions upon review, are also exempt.

Article 3: The specific fee rates are as follows (rounded up to the nearest gross ton):

  1. From October 14, 2025, RMB 400 per gross ton;
  2. From April 17, 2026, RMB 640 per gross ton;
  3. From April 17, 2027, RMB 880 per gross ton;
  4. From April 17, 2028, RMB 1,120 per gross ton.

Each vessel is subject to the special port fee for no more than five voyages per year, with April 17 marking the start of each annual billing cycle.

Article 4: The fee shall be collected by the maritime administration authority of the port where the vessel docks and managed or used according to relevant national regulations.

Article 5: If a vessel docks at multiple Chinese ports during the same voyage, the special port fee is payable only at the first port of call. For vessels making more than five voyages to Chinese ports in a year, the fee applies only to the first five voyages, with subsequent voyages exempt upon proof of prior payments.

Source: Huanqiu Times, October 13, 2025
https://world.huanqiu.com/article/4OiMfb2DneG

Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources US-China Relations

CNA: Chinese Customs Tightens Inspections on Nvidia Chip Imports

Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) recently reported that China has intensified enforcement of import restrictions on Nvidia chips as part of a broader push to reduce domestic tech firms’ dependence on U.S. technology.

In recent weeks, customs authorities across major Chinese ports have begun conducting stringent inspections of imported semiconductors. The measures aim to ensure that local companies cease purchasing Nvidia chips developed specifically for the Chinese market, including models such as the H20 and RTX Pro 6000D.

According to the report, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) led the initiative, instructing major technology firms – including ByteDance and Alibaba – in mid-September to halt orders and testing of Nvidia’s proprietary chips. Previously, Chinese customs officials rarely questioned the source or end use of imported chips as long as import duties were paid. Neither China Customs nor Nvidia has issued a comment on the matter.

Source: CNA, October 10, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202510100145.aspx

Briefings | | |   Information/Technology US-China Relations

China Rebuts U.S. Claims of “Malign Influence” Around Panama Canal

U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera accused China of exerting a “malign influence” around the Panama Canal in an interview with local outlet Contrapeso Panamá. He alleged that Chinese companies, including Hong Kong–based Hutchison Whampoa, owe Panama hundreds of millions of dollars and that China has carried out cyberattacks against countries such as Paraguay, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Czech Republic. Cabrera also warned that the U.S. would revoke visas for lawyers, bankers, and businesspeople tied to Chinese state-owned enterprises, asserting that “a visa is a privilege, not a right.”

The Chinese Embassy in Panama sharply rejected Cabrera’s claims, describing them as “baseless and unscientific.” It accused Washington of seeking to sow discord between China and Latin American nations and of undermining regional diplomatic autonomy to advance U.S. geopolitical interests. The embassy also criticized the U.S. for using visa restrictions as a political weapon, stating, “True friends of China are not intimidated – when Mickey Mouse closes his door, the panda opens its arms.”

Beijing further dismissed allegations of corruption and environmental harm by Chinese firms, emphasizing that China’s overseas projects are based on mutual benefit and have contributed significantly to local development. On cyberattack accusations, the embassy labeled the U.S. “the world’s largest hacker and surveillance empire,” calling its claims hypocritical. The statement concluded that American lies and intimidation only expose “arrogance and hypocrisy,” urging Washington to focus instead on genuine regional cooperation and development.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, October 6, 2025
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20251006-7622362

Briefings | | |   @CS Geo-Strategic Trend US-China Relations

NBD: China Did not Purchase Any U.S. Soybeans for the First Time in 30 Years

National Business Daily (NBD), a Chinese national daily newspaper on business news, recently reported that the United States once exported more than half of its soybeans to China, but since May this year China has not purchased any American soybeans. The official U.S. records dating back to 1998 show that this was the first time in nearly 30 years that China had not purchased any American soybeans.

In the 2023-2024 marketing year (September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024), the United States exported nearly 25 million tons of soybeans to China, far exceeding the 4.9 million tons exported to the second-largest market, the European Union.

Now the soybean harvest season has arrived in the United States, but China, historically the largest buyer, has not placed any orders, and soybean farmers are facing an “extremely severe situation.” The White House has made two promises to farmers: to force other countries to purchase American agricultural products in trade agreements with other countries; and to provide subsidies to domestic farmers. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that the U.S. federal government is expected to pay more than $40 billion in subsidies to farmers in 2025, the second highest level since 1933.

Republicans also tried to provide $60 billion in aid to farmers in the “Big Beautiful Bill” at the expense of cutting nutrition subsidies for American citizens, but even if these subsidies can be issued, they will not be distributed until the next crop year.

Source: NBD, October 3, 2025
https://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2025-10-03/4082401.html

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Hong Kong Leader Warns New U.S. Consul Against “Destructive” Actions

Following Beijing’s lead, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has drawn red lines for the new U.S. Consul General to Hong Kong, Julie Eadeh, regarding her diplomatic work in the city. Lee’s warnings include directives that she should “not do destructive things” and “must not interfere in Hong Kong affairs.”

Since Eadeh assumed her post last month, she has invited several prominent figures to a welcome reception, including former Chief Secretary Anson Chan and former Democratic Party Chairperson Emily Lau. These invitations provoked strong criticism from pro-Beijing newspapers Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po, which published consecutive articles attacking her actions. The State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office and the Chinese Communist Party’s Hong Kong and Macau Work Office both republished these critical articles on their websites.

When responding to media inquiries before today’s Executive Council meeting, Lee stated that he hopes consuls stationed in Hong Kong will engage in constructive rather than destructive activities. He emphasized that consuls have a responsibility to strictly observe international conventions and diplomatic protocols, performing their duties in a manner befitting their diplomatic status. Lee stressed that they must not interfere in China’s internal affairs or Hong Kong matters under any pretext or in any form, and should respect China’s sovereignty.

Additionally, China’s Foreign Ministry Office in Hong Kong recently announced that Commissioner Cui Jianchun had received Eadeh for her courtesy call upon assuming office. The announcement notably stated that Cui “required Eadeh to perform her duties in Hong Kong in a manner consistent with her diplomatic status and not to interfere in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs.” The wording was markedly more severe than in previous similar announcements.

Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), September 30, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202509300074.aspx

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Investigation Reveals CCP Establishes Covert Party Branches on U.S. University Campuses

A Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) investigation has found that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members studying at U.S. universities have established overseas CCP party branches on campus, supported by their home institutions in China. These branches exist without official registration at the universities and have been identified at Oklahoma State University (OSU), University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), and University of Colorado–Denver (UCD). They are linked to Chinese universities such as Northwest A&F University (NWAFU) and China Agricultural University (CAU). Over twenty CCP members are confirmed to be involved, with some continuing graduate studies at other U.S. universities, raising concerns about foreign influence and national security.

These overseas branches operate under CCP policy, which requires a branch wherever three or more party members are present. NWAFU’s “3+1” program at UNL, for example, sends Chinese students to study in the U.S. and has been used as a platform to establish a CCP branch that promotes ideological education. Activities include political seminars before departure, online ideological discussions abroad, and fostering a mission of “serving the Party and the country.” Branch members explicitly promote CCP narratives and ideology as part of their mission, integrating political education into academic exchange programs.

Branches also engage in coordinated propaganda work. CAU’s International College, in partnership with UCD and OSU, directs its overseas branches to “tell the China (CCP) story” and requires political training for participating students. Activities have included organized campus events to view CCP political meetings. While U.S. universities state they do not track students’ political affiliations, the investigation exposes a lack of transparency and oversight, raising serious concerns about covert CCP influence in American higher education and the need for closer scrutiny of foreign academic programs.

Source: Epoch Times, September 24, 2025
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/25/9/23/n14601186.htm

Briefings | | |   @CS Government/Politics US-China Relations

Liberty Times Network: China Sanctions U.S. Defense Firms Over Arms Sales to Taiwan

Taiwan’s Liberty Times Network (LTN) reported that the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on September 25 that, citing national security concerns and obligations such as non-proliferation, it has placed three U.S. companies – Huntington Ingalls Industries, Planate Management Group, and Global Dimensions LLC – on its export control list, prohibiting the export of dual-use (civilian and military) items to them.

The Ministry also added Saronic Technologies, Aerkomm, and Oceaneering International to its “unreliable entities” list, barring them from import and export activities with China and from making new investments in the country.

According to the announcement, these firms “ignored China’s strong opposition,” and engaged in arms sales and military technology cooperation with Taiwan, “seriously undermining China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests.”

Huntington Ingalls Industries is the largest military shipbuilder in the U.S. Saronic Technologies develops maritime drones for defense use, while Global Dimensions, which has a branch in Taiwan, has reportedly been in discussions with Taipei about a military training program.

Source: LTN, September 25, 2025
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/5191030

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Commentary on China’s Xiangshan Forum

The Xiangshan Forum, organized by China, is designed as a counterpart to the Western-led Shangri-La Dialogue, promoting an “Eastern security order” under Beijing’s leadership and consolidating its network of preferred allies. The 2025 forum was held from September 17 to 19.

China’s Message
In his keynote speech, Defense Minister Dong Jun made the following points:

  1. Emphasized China’s commitment to upholding international order while firmly opposing any “Taiwan independence” efforts, stating that China is prepared to counter external military interventions.
  2. Criticized certain foreign nations for invoking “freedom of navigation” in the South China Sea and citing international arbitration in ways that challenge fundamental principles of international relations.
  3. Highlighted the importance of maintaining a “UN-centered international system” as the framework for global peace and stability.

Reduced Prestige and Media Coverage
Analysts noted that this year’s forum appeared less prestigious than expected. Traditionally, a high-profile Xiangshan Forum requires three elements: a congratulatory letter from Xi Jinping, a keynote speech by the defense minister, and front-page coverage by central media such as Xinhua and People’s Daily. This year, Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter was absent, signaling a downgrade in the forum’s status. Although Dong Jun delivered a keynote again, Xinhua’s coverage omitted photos of him speaking, in contrast to last year’s reports, which featured large images highlighting his presence. The official Xinhua release this year contained only 382 words, whereas minor events, such as a dinner hosted by Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, received nearly 600 words of coverage.

Lower Level of U.S. Representation
Foreign participation also declined. The Pentagon reported that the U.S. sent a defense attaché from its embassy in China, rather than a higher-ranking deputy assistant secretary of defense as in previous years. U.S. officials stated that the attaché’s attendance represented an appropriate level of participation.

Sources:
1. Radio France International, September 18, 2025
https://www.rfi.fr/cn/专栏检索/要闻解说/20250918-北京香山论坛-中国防长讲话更显强硬
2. Secret China, September 19, 2025
https://www.secretchina.com/news/gb/2025/09/19/1088319.html

Briefings | | |   @CS Defense/Military Geo-Strategic Trend US-China Relations