Staff members check the size of rock lobsters at the Welshpool live lobster facility of the Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative (GFC) in Perth, Australia, Oct. 24, 2024. The Geraldton Fishermen's Co-operative (GFC) will attend the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China's Shanghai. Since its establishment in 1950, GFC has been focused on the export of Western rock lobster.(Photo: Xinhua)

The Chinese side has restored the routine inspection and quarantine of the Australian lobsters at ports in according with law and regulations, China's commerce ministry (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yongqian said at the regular press conference on Thursday, responding to media question regarding the recent announcement made by Australian government about China's lifting of restrictions on lobster imports from Australia.

This decision was made after the relevant departments of both China and Australia conducted in-depth and effective technical communications regarding the export of lobsters to China, and the Chinese side evaluated the corrective measures provided by the Australian side, according to the spokesperson.

According to a media release published on the official website of Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs on December 20, "China has notified today Australia that full resumption of live rock lobster trade can recommence, effective immediately." The Australian government welcomed this notification, the media release said.

"This announcement opens the door for Australian exporters to supply the world's best lobsters once again to this important market. The resumption of live rock lobster exports to China is expected to have substantial economic benefits and deliver job security for fishing communities in regional areas," according to the media release.

From last year, both sides have engaged in consultations on economic and trade issues of mutual concern in accordance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, achieving positive results. We hope that the Australian side will work with China in the same direction, properly address concerns of economic and trade issues within the framework of WTO rules, the MOFCOM spokesperson said on Thursday.

China was previously one of the largest export destinations for Australia's lobsters. About 95 percent of Australia's A$750 million ($527 million) worth of lobster exports in 2019 went to China, according to media reports.

The Australian lobster trade cooled down due to quality issues detected by Chinese customs in late 2020. This precautionary measure aimed to ensure health and safety of Chinese consumers.

"The economies of China and Australia are highly complementary, and engaging in mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation aligns with the common interests of both sides," He said.

The spokesperson said that it is hoped that both sides will continue to expand and deepen economic and trade cooperation in both traditional and emerging fields, promoting the high-quality development of China-Australia economic and trade relations for the benefit of the people of both countries.

Global Times