China has launched an antitrust investigation against US chipmaker Qualcomm and imposed fees on American-owned ships docking at Chinese ports, as trade tensions mount between the two nations, reports the Financial Times. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on Friday said Qualcomm failed to report its June acquisition of Israeli technology company Autotalks in accordance with the country’s laws.
Earlier on Friday China’s transport ministry said ships owned by US companies or individuals would have to pay RMB 400 ($56) a tonne to dock. The fees and schedule broadly mirror rules announced by the US in April, which come into effect next Tuesday. The US is requiring China-built vessels docking at US ports to pay $18 a tonne or $120 per container discharged, rates that will increase over three years.
Beijing has fired a volley of trade measures at Washington this week as it seeks leverage ahead of an expected face-to-face meeting between Trump and Xi in South Korea. Trump later on Friday cast doubt on whether the meeting would go ahead.