Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

When asked by the media whether China is deliberately allowing the expiration of export licenses for hundreds of US slaughterhouses to export to China, as the USDA claims that these licenses will expire this weekend and China Customs has not responded to requests for renewal, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a regular press conference on Friday, "I am not aware of the specifics. I suggest you contact the relevant Chinese authorities for more information."

Global Times