China Cuts Australian Beef Imports Amid CCP Virus Tension

Frozen beef filets from Australia, United States, and Canada are on sale at a supermarket in Beijing, China, on May 14, 2019. Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo

CANBERRRA, Australia—China suspended imports of beef from four Australian producers on May 12 following a threat by the regime of possible trade retaliation if Australia pushed for an inquiry into the origins of the CCP virus pandemic.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said the suspensions appear to be based on “highly technical issues,” some of which date back more than one year. Birmingham said he was talking with the industry to “formulate a comprehensive response.”

Australia's Trade Minister Simon Birmingham addresses media outside the Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on, Oct. 16, 2019. Rod McGuirk/AP Photo

The Chinese regime has rejected calls by Australia and other governments for an international inquiry into the origin of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which emerged in December in central China.

Ambassador Cheng Jingye told The Australian Financial Review last month the country might face a Chinese boycott of its tourism and exports of wine, beef, and other goods if Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government pressed for an inquiry.

Packs of beef imported from Australia are displayed for sale at supermarkets in Beijing, China, on June 17, 2015. Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

China is the No. 1 market for Australian beef, accounting for about 30 percent of exports.

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, criticized Australia’s “erroneous words and deeds.” Zhao said Tuesday the pandemic shouldn’t be used as a reason to “engage in political manipulation,” which he said would disrupt international disease prevention.

Australia grain exporters said Sunday they were told China is preparing to raise duties on imports of Australian barley.

Epoch Times staff contributed to this report.