The SAR government on Friday condemned new US measures imposing port fees on vessels owned, operated or built by Chinese companies, calling the move discriminatory and damaging to global maritime cooperation.

A government spokesperson said the measures undermine Hong Kong’s role as an international shipping hub and violate principles of free trade.

“The US measures are blatantly discriminatory, deliberately dividing the international maritime community and undermining the spirit of solidarity and co-operation built over the years," the spokesperson said.

Hong Kong vowed to maintain an open and fair business environment and to work with global maritime partners to defend free trade and the maritime industry's development.

The spokesperson added that the common interests of the global maritime community can only be safeguarded by adhering to fairness and justice, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation.