China strikes back on US’ port fees, Trump threatens imports halt: SCMP daily highlights

From Eric Lombard accusing the US and China of killing free trade to the short-lived Qin dynasty, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage

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In response to US port fees taking effect next week, China has rolled out its own fees for vessels owned or affiliated with the US making port calls within its borders. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:15pm, 10 Oct 2025

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. China hits back at Trump’s port fees with reciprocal charges for US ships

China will levy phased fees on US-linked vessels calling at its ports starting next Tuesday, a retaliatory action set to take effect the same day as similar charges that were announced in April by the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

2. Trump threatens to halt Chinese imports – but counts on Xi to buy US soybeans

With Beijing curbing rare earth exports and shunning American soybeans, US President Donald Trump is raising pressure on China ahead of a planned meeting with Xi Jinping, threatening to halt imports while vowing to reopen its market to US farmers.

3. Beijing takes aim at William Lai’s T-Dome shield and defence plans for Taiwan

Taiwanese AT-3 advanced jet trainers perform during Double Tenth celebrations at the Presidential Palace in Taipei on Friday. Photo: AFP

Beijing hit out at Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s Double Tenth speech on Friday, saying it exposed Lai’s stubborn nature as a troublemaker.

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