China-Australia
With more bans on products expected, relationship between China-Australia touches new lows
China has banned imports of Australian timber from Queensland and suspended barley imports from a second grain exporter, while Chinese importers are also bracing for a new round of bans on copper ore and copper concentrate as well as sugar this week, a move which is seen by experts as the latest point of escalating tension between the two nations.
The new bans occurred over the weekend as clearance of Australian rock lobster shipments was also delayed in Shanghai due to increased import inspections, reports South China Morning Post.
Speaking on the issue, China foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said: "According to law, the Chinese customs takes inspection and quarantine measures on imported seafood products and releases them after finding they meet the criteria. This practice is in line with pertinent laws and regulations, and protects the safety of Chinese consumers buying imported food."
He said: "We believe a sound and stable China-Australia relationship serves the fundamental interests of both peoples. In the meantime, mutual respect is the foundation and guarantee of practical cooperation between countries. We hope Australia can do more things conducive to mutual trust, bilateral cooperation and the spirit of China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, and bring the bilateral relations back to the right track as early as possible."
Meanwhile, the bans on copper ore and copper concentrate, as well as sugar, are expected to be introduced this week, according to multiple trade sources in China, reports South China Morning Post.
The Australian Seafood Trade Advisory Group has asked Australian exporters to stop sending live lobsters to China. the newspaper reported.
Australia’s trade minister, Simon Birmingham, said on Monday that the rock lobster shipments were being checked for “metal content levels” and the Australian government and industry groups were seeking further clarification from Beijing.
“We understand the concerns of industry in this regard, because of course this type of product is high value, but also has short time frames in terms of safely delivering the product from the Australian oceans to ultimately the marketplace in which they’re sold,” he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
Trade relationship between China and Australia has touched new lows in recent times.
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