China's resumption of grouper imports 'politically motivated': MOA

Taipei, Dec. 22 (CNA) The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) blasted China Friday for lifting a ban on Taiwanese grouper imports in a politically selective manner, calling the move a tactic intended to divide Taiwanese fishermen. The MOA statement came after the Chinese General Administration of Customs announced earlier in the day that it would resume importing grouper from selected Taiwanese fisheries, effective immediately. China introduced the ban in June last year, citing several findings of prohibited chemicals and excessive levels of oxytetracycline in grouper imported from Taiwan after December 2022 -- an accusation Taiwan denied. However, the administration said Friday that the quality of Taiwanese grouper has shown improvement after the introduction of corrective measures, and seven "registered" fisheries will be able to export their products, effective immediately. In response, the MOA expressed disappointment over China's actions, criticizing it for "unilaterally" selecting ...