Communist Party media in China rebuked and threatened Nova Scotia lobster shippers this week for expressing concerns over new roadblocks to getting products into China.
Communist Party media in China rebuked and threatened Nova Scotia lobster shippers this week for expressing concerns over new roadblocks to getting products into China.
The party tabloid Global Times says recent border measures are about food safety after a COVID-19 outbreak was linked to a Beijing food market, “rather than an excuse to target any specific country.”
“It’s Canada’s choice to export to China, and Canada needs to abide by Chinese regulations, which may be adjusted when necessary in accordance with the COVID-19 situation,” Bai Ming, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Co-operation, told the Global Times on Monday.
The tabloid, known for its nationalist tone on international issues, discounted complaints raised by Canadian lobster shippers quoted in CBC News reporting.
It also linked the issue to the arrest in Canada and ongoing extradition proceedings against Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou.
“Experts warned that the Canadian side should be fully aware that its attitude in Meng’s case is the only roadblock between the two countries,” it said. “If the Canadian side does not remove it, a disruption in the lobster trade might be just the tip of the iceberg in bilateral trade, as fraught ties have already undermined confidence in business communities on both sides.”
Chinese authorities began random testing of imported food after a COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month was traced to a cutting board used on imported Atlantic salmon at the Xinfadi market in Beijing.
Live lobster shipments from Canada, valued at $457 million last year, were particularly vulnerable.
Most of that lobster comes from Nova Scotia, which has seen its sales in China soar in recent years.
After the inspections started, some Nova Scotia companies cancelled live shipments r