Continental Committee Criticizes "Clear Violation of International Trade Rules"
"No Scientific Evidence That COVID-19 Virus Is Transmitted to Humans Through Fruit"
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] China has temporarily suspended imports of Taiwanese mangoes due to the detection of the COVID-19 virus.
The Macau authorities announced on the 30th of last month that 100 kg of mangoes imported from Taiwan were entirely discarded after the COVID-19 virus was detected on the external packaging, and imports of Taiwanese mangoes were temporarily suspended for one week.
Earlier, the General Administration of Customs of China had suspended imports of frozen mackerel from Taiwan for one week starting on the 23rd of last month for the same reason. At the beginning of last month, imports of Taiwanese grouper and cutlassfish were halted due to the detection of carcinogenic chemicals and banned drugs.
China also suspended imports of Taiwanese pineapples and tropical fruits such as Banyuji (Sugar Apple) and Lianwu (Wax Apple) in February and September last year, citing the discovery of harmful organisms.
Taiwan has strongly protested, claiming that China's successive import suspension measures are politically motivated attempts to damage Taiwan amid cross-strait (China and Taiwan) tensions.
The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's agency responsible for relations with mainland China, criticized China's suspension of mango imports, stating, "The Macau government unilaterally suspended imports without even notifying us," and called it "a clear violation of international trade norms."
It added, "There is no scientific evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted to humans through fruit," and demanded, "Preventive and supervisory measures on imported food must be based on scientific evidence, and smooth trade should be allowed in accordance with international norms."
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