Core Viewpoint - The event aims to promote the transition of maritime activities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area towards a green, clean, and efficient path, emphasizing the importance of green energy development in addressing climate change [1][3][5]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event was held on June 25 in Shenzhen, gathering nearly a hundred enterprises from the maritime industry value chain from mainland China and Hong Kong [1]. - The event was hosted by the Deputy Director of the Foreign Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce, Zeng Huacheng [1]. Group 2: Key Statements - The Deputy Director of the Foreign Trade Department, Chang Hui, highlighted the global consensus on promoting green energy development and the establishment of an efficient green marine fuel supply chain [3]. - Zhou Qiang, Deputy Director of the Economic Department of the Central Government Liaison Office in Hong Kong, emphasized that green development is a crucial direction for global trade, integrating low-carbon development into trade policies [5]. - Hong Kong's Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Chen Meibao, noted Hong Kong's significant role as a "super connector" in trade, logistics, and finance, with strong growth potential in emerging fields like green development [7]. Group 3: Collaborative Efforts - During the event, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and Sinopec (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., focusing on ship fuel supply and green fuel initiatives [11]. - The Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Petroleum Circulation Association expressed the desire to leverage Hong Kong's position as an international financial and trade center to facilitate trade and collaboration in the green maritime fuel sector [14]. Group 4: Regional Cooperation - Zhou Bin, Deputy Director of the Guangdong Provincial Department of Commerce, emphasized the importance of close cooperation between Guangdong and Hong Kong to maintain stable industrial and supply chains amid global economic challenges [9].

Core Points - The U.S. Trade Representative's Office announced an extension of the tariff exemption period for certain products related to China's technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation practices from May 31, 2025, to August 31, 2025 [1][3] Group 1: Tariff Exemption Extension - The extension of the tariff exemption is based on public feedback received by December 29, 2023, and ongoing evaluations during the four-year review process [3] - A total of 164 items from Attachment A and 14 items from Attachment B will have their exemptions extended for an additional three months [3] - The exemption applies to products listed in Attachments A and B, including chemical materials, electronic components, medical supplies, solar manufacturing equipment, and wafer handling equipment [4] Group 2: Historical Context and Economic Impact - Historical data indicates that during the Trump administration, four rounds of "301 tariffs" were imposed on China, with the first three rounds having a 25% increase and the fourth round at 7.5% [3] - The average weighted tariff rate on Chinese imports was 19.3% at the beginning of 2020, but is projected to decrease to 10.7% by the end of 2024 due to changes in export proportions and product categories [3] - The U.S. has faced criticism for its unilateral and protectionist measures, which have been deemed to disrupt international trade order and supply chain stability [4] Group 3: New Investigations and Responses - On April 17, the U.S. Trade Representative's Office initiated a 301 investigation into China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, which has been met with strong opposition from China [5] - China's Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. for misrepresenting normal trade activities as threats to national security and for blaming its own industrial issues on China [5] - The Chinese government has urged the U.S. to respect facts and multilateral rules, calling for a return to a rules-based multilateral trading system [5]