China denies block on Canadian canola firm is retaliation for Meng Wanzhou case
- No scientific basis for alleged contamination of oil-seed crop, Canada says after China revokes company’s permit
- Canadian government ‘working very, very hard’ with Chinese counterparts on the issue, with 40 per cent of Canada’s canola exports going to China
Beijing has said its decision to revoke an import permit for one of Canada’s largest grain processors is “well-grounded”, denying speculation that it was a retaliation against the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.
Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that Richardson International’s canola imports were contaminated with pests or bacteria, after Canadian foreign affairs minister Chrystia Freeland said officials in Ottawa “do not believe there’s any scientific basis” for the ban.
“The Chinese government’s decision is well-grounded,” Lu said. “Recently, Chinese customs has repeatedly found harmful organisms in Canadian imported canola, and the problem found in one company’s products was particularly serious.”
A document listing approved exports on the website of the Chinese customs administration on March 1 showed it had cancelled Richardson International’s registration to ship canola to China.
“Just like any other country in the world, the Chinese government needs to protect the health and safety of its citizens,” Lu said.
