China’s Cabotage Law Policy: from Restrictive to Flexible

The cabotage law of China has always been considered restrictive. But it changes with time due to market needs. The body of literature on one specific city influenced by such policy or discussion about agreement or disagreement when it is predicted to change is not small. A thorough analysis of the policy of China’s cabotage law from restrictive to flexible is out of the scope of the present paper. It is necessary to present that China’s cabotage law policy has evolved from one that is restrictive to one that is flexible. Coastal shipping is the component that international shipping enterprises are most concerned about because of its appreciable economic worth. It is also the most restrictive part at present. Now there is a new measurement coming into force to open this restriction. This adjustment has an ambiguous impact on domestic shipping enterprises, domestic ports and foreign shipping enterprises. Moreover, the current circumstance in China is consistent with the policy objectives of cabotage law reservation. It’s unnecessary to deregulate the coastal shipping. But, the willingness of openness of government is sincere and strong. The next step of this policy’s development is better to maintain the status quo and take measures according to specific matters.