China Suspends Import of Apples from Taiwan amid Concerns of Biosecurity

China has suspended import of fruits coming in from Taiwan citing concerns of pests and diseases being carried into the country. According to officials, this move is a normal precaution taken to protect biosecurity and prevent the spread of plant diseases.
The General Administration of Customs in China has previously detected pests in imports of apples, wax apples, pineapples and other fruits. These pests are known as “Planacoccus minor”, also named as mealybugs which are mostly native to the Asian region.
Custom officials have asked for a complete stop of custom clearance of infested fruits starting from the 20th of September. However, Taiwan has spoken out against the new ban, stating it as a violation of global trade rules. The government has pledged to invest NT$1 billion to help pineapple farmers who contribute around 40% of total fruit sales to the mainland.
China has previously banned imports of pineapple from the country last February, saying the fruit was infested and could pose a threat. Taiwan officials accused Beijing of playing politics and that nothing was wrong with its production of fruits.