At the request of the Association of China Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Enterprises, the Ministry of Communications announced its decision, in 2002, to conduce investigation on the legality of collection of terminal handling charges ("THC") implemented by international container lines for carriage of goods to or from China. The investigation involves international liner conferences and container liners. The lawyers at the Maritime Division led by Mr. Gao Yifeng at Global Law Office are acting as the legal counsel for a major international liner conference in participation in the investigation. The investigation reflects the first attempt by the Ministry of Communications to play an active role in the similar matters after the promulgation of the Regulations of the PRC on International Marine Transportation. It involves the multitude of container lines and cargo interests related to the international carriage of goods. Extensive attention has been seen from the domestic and international circles to the investigation that is now still under way of the process.