US-China New Port Fees Rift: The uneasy calm between Washington and Beijing has broken once again. This week, both nations introduced new port fees on vessels, signalling another turn in the trade tension that has altered global commerce.

The charges took effect on Tuesday. Analysts say the measures reveal how the seas have become a new front in the rivalry between the two largest economies. The fresh escalation follows China’s move to restrict exports of rare earth elements after the US administration imposed new trade curbs.

A meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping is scheduled later this month at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. Officials in both capitals are now watching if the new maritime dispute will cast a shadow

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