The United States has pledged to take decisive action against China’s efforts to dominate key industrial sectors, according to a statement by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Monday. Greer emphasized that Washington will respond “appropriately to China’s targeting of critical industrial sectors for dominance,” though he did not outline specific measures the U.S. intends to take.
Greer’s comments come amid rising economic and geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing over control of strategic industries, including shipbuilding, technology, and energy. The U.S. has increasingly expressed concern over China’s state-backed industrial strategies, which Washington says undermine fair global competition and threaten national security.
The issue has recently expanded to involve South Korea after Chinese sanctions targeted U.S.-linked units of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean. South Korean officials warned that the sanctions could disrupt joint shipbuilding projects with the United States—initiatives viewed as vital to strengthening the alliance between Seoul and Washington and to revitalizing America’s own shipbuilding sector.
In response, Greer reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to protect its industries from economic coercion and unfair trade practices. “Attempts at intimidation will not stop the United States from rebuilding its shipbuilding base and responding appropriately to China’s targeting of critical industrial sectors for dominance,” he said.
The Trump administration has been working to revive domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains, with shipbuilding emerging as a key area of focus. Analysts note that Greer’s statement signals a tougher U.S. stance on industrial competition and highlights growing trans-Pacific coordination with allies like South Korea to counter China’s expanding economic influence.