The administration of President Donald Trump is piling more pressure on Beijing over trade. Chinese ships that dock at US ports will soon need to pay a new fee.



The office of the US Trade Representative, or USTR, made the announcement on Thursday. The measure is part of plans to revive the US shipbuilding industry in light of China's dominance.



The USTR says the move applies to owners and operators of Chinese-flagged or built ships. It says fees will be enforced in about six months' time and be raised in phases, with amounts based on net tonnage or containers.



It says the measure is based on Section 301 of the Trade Act, which applies when trading partners are deemed to have engaged in unfair practices.



US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said, "The Trump administration's actions will begin to reverse Chinese dominance, address threats to the U.S. supply chain, and send a demand signal for U.S.-built ships."



The announcement left China seething. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that the measure harms other countries and the United States itself. He also said it will raise maritime shipping costs and disrupt global supply chains.



Lin said Beijing urges Washington to respect multilateral rules. He also said China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.