The two sides co-operated effectively over the biggest upheaval in cargo transport, the introduction of standard containers in the 1960s and 1970s.

ECONOMIST: A battle on the docks would be bad news for American business

Vessels became gigantic, with the latest capable of carrying 15, 000 standard containers.

ECONOMIST: Shipping in the downturn

Six of the world's 10 busiest ports are located in China, when measured in terms of cargo shipped in standard containers, or TEUs (20-foot equivalent units).

FORBES