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.”