Shortsighted bid to 'restore' dominance

While countries are reacting to the United States' tariff war, they should be aware that an executive order US President Donald Trump signed on Wednesday might have more immediate, grave and far-reaching impacts on them.

The executive order, ostensibly intended to "restore American maritime dominance", calls for a Maritime Action Plan to revitalize the US' maritime industries. But its real focus is on China.

The order directs the US Trade Representative to make recommendations regarding countering what it alleges are China's "anticompetitive" actions within the shipbuilding industry.