China threatens to ban import of seafood from India

Beijing has threatened to ban import of seafood and other food products from India if New Delhi continues to restrict import of milk products from China, the government informed the Lok Sabha today.

"The Chinese side... Said that if India insists on this decision (to ban import of milk and milk products, including chocolate and chocolate products), China will respond to the safety and quality issues for imported products from India," Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a written reply.

In a response to the extension of ban on milk and milk products, including chocolate exported by China to India till December 24, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China had conveyed that it had encountered food safety problems in imported food products from India, including seafood products.

China, however, has not imposed a ban on import of the food products, Scindia said.

The government has conveyed to the neighboring country that India has taken note of their concerns. China has been also told that the decision to extend the ban till December 24 was taken after due consultation with authorities concerned and experts in the dairy industry.

"The government of India is in touch with the Chinese government through our Embassy in Beijing to discuss such trade related issues," Scindia said.