MNI China Press Digest Oct 15:Port Fees, Bonds, Semiconductors

Highlights from Chinese press reports on Wednesday:

• China’s decision to impose special port fees on U.S.-linked vessels, including when U.S. individuals or entities directly or indirectly hold 25% or more equity interest, marks a significant escalation given that U.S. investors hold over 25% ownership in most publicly listed shipping companies, according to Ella Liu, analyst at the Maritime Planet Institute. In the longer term, Liu said this shift could reshape the global shipping finance ecosystem prompting firms to turn to European and Asian capital markets or private funding channels and potentially triggering a wave of delisting from U.S. exchanges in favour of Europe or Asia.
• China recently completed its final issuance of ultra-long-term special government bonds for 2025, bringing the total issuance for the year to CNY1.3 trillion, a CNY300 billion increase compared with 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance. The first and final tranches this year were issued on April 24 and Oct 14, about a month earlier than last year’s May 17 and Nov 15, allowing funds to be deployed more efficiently into priority sectors, said Ming Ming, chief economist at CITIC Securities. According to Securities Daily, CNY800 billion was allocated to major infrastructure and public service projects while CNY500 billion was directed on new urbanisation and the development of new productive forces.
• The China Semiconductor Industry Association has issued a statement expressing its opposition to the abuse of “national security” following intervention by local authorities in the Netherlands against Nexperia, a subsidiary of Wingtech Technology, a Chinese firm. The association noted that the move had caused serious concern within the industry and affirmed that it will support its member companies in safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests.