China has announced that it will lift a ban on imports of Spanish beef, a new beginning for EU beef exports after an embargo that lasted nearly one-quarter century. The move was announced by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi when he paid a visit to Spain, as Wang said that China regards Spain as a good and trustworthy partner in the EU and stands ready to inject new momentum into China-EU relations.
Chinese experts said that the move shows the Chinese government's concrete efforts to enhance China-EU trade, a positive signal that China is opening up, amid rising trade protectionism in Europe.
On Sunday, China lifted restrictions on the import of deboned beef from Spain for cattle under 30 months of age, China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) said on Monday.
The decision was first declared by Wang during a joint press conference with his Spanish counterpart José Manuel Albares in Cordoba, Spain on Sunday.
During the meeting, Wang highlighted the broadening of bilateral cooperation into new sectors, including electric vehicles, green energy and the digital economy, and he welcomed Spain to use various trade platforms to increase exports of high-quality products to China.
