Advertisement

Updated May 13th, 2020 at 15:19 IST

Australia's minister says China's meat import ban unrelated to COVID-19 investigation

Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has said that China’s move to ban meat imports is not related to Australia’s call for COVID-19 investigation.

Reported by: Riya Baibhawi
Australia minister says China's meat import ban is unrelated to COVID-19 investigation
| Image:self
Advertisement

Australian Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has said that China’s move to ban meat imports is not related to Australia’s call for COVID-19 investigation. He added that they did not see a relationship between the two and would expect that no other country sees it that way either. On May 12, China suspended imports from four Australian abattoirs. Previously, the Asian giant slapped  80 per cent tariffs on Australian barley.

Read: US-China Commission Says Taiwan's Exclusion From WHO Caused Loss Of Lives

Birmingham reportedly expressed concerns about China’s decision to suspend imports and revealed that they were made due to issues relating to labelling and health certificate requirements. He also said that it was "disappointing" that he did not receive any notifications about minor technical breaches prior to suspensions taking effects. According to reports, China is Australia's number one market for beef, accounting for 30 per cent.

Morrison calls for an inquiry  

The relations between Canberra and Beijing were affected when last month Australian PM Scott Morrison called for an inquiry into the coronavirus outbreak. Morrison has been trying to gather international support to launch an investigation into the origin and course of the virus outbreak. However, he also insisted that though his call was not an attempt to target China, an independent assessment would seem entirely reasonable and sensible given the extraordinary impact and implications. The Chinese suspension has raised concerns about China boycotting Australian beef, wine, tourism and universities in response to Canberra’s push for the coronavirus inquiry. 

Read: 'Koala Distancing': Australian Vets Give Native Wildlife Touch To Social Distancing Norm

Earlier, Morrison also said that all the members of the World Health Organisation (WHO) should cooperate with the proposed independent inquiry into the spread of coronavirus, international media reported. He said that the inquiry into the virus outbreak is necessary so that the world can learn the lessons. The 51-year-old leader opined that review and information gathered by independent public inspectors can undoubtedly save lives.

Read: Australia Concerned As China Considering Imposing Hefty Tariffs On Imports Of Barley

Read: Australia, New Zealand Look To Restart International Cricket With Trans-Tasman Rivalry

Advertisement

Published May 13th, 2020 at 15:19 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

How to Keep Yourself Safe from Unhealthy Air?
a minute ago
TMC Delgation at ECI Office
11 minutes ago
Congress Press Conference
18 minutes ago
Raw Mango
19 minutes ago
Gen Z worker goes to the salon while “working from home”
20 minutes ago
Lionel Messi
22 minutes ago
Jailed Gangster Mukhtar Ansari Passes Away
23 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE
27 minutes ago
Tie-dye printed shirts
32 minutes ago
Sri Lanka on High Alert on Good Friday
33 minutes ago
Gautam Gambhir gets into a fight with Virat Kohli
33 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo