Taiwan resumes ban on some US beef imports

TAIWAN: Taiwan’s Parliament resumed a ban on certain US beef imports Tuesday, triggering an angry response from the United States and fears the move could damage ties with the island’s most important ally.

Lawmakers unanimously passed an amendment to the food health law banning imports of cow organs, minced beef and other items seen as high-risk such as spines and eyes, said parliamentary speaker Wang Jin-pyng.

“This is a victory for the Taiwanese people and a display of people’s power,” said lawmaker Kuan Bi-ling from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party.

US beef has been restricted for years over concerns about mad cow disease.

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) expressed its dismay at the latest move and warned it would “undermine Taiwan’s credibility as a responsible trading partner.”

The AIT handles unofficial ties with Taipei after Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979.

“This will make it more difficult for the US to conclude further agreements to expand and strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties,” said AIT acting spokesman Christopher Kavanagh.

The Taipei-based Liberty Times last week cited an unnamed official as saying the government hoped any US punitive measures would be limited to trade and not affect arms sales.

Washington has remained a key ally and leading arms supplier to Taiwan despite the lack of official ties.

Taiwan plans to send a delegation of government officials, lawmakers and experts to the United States in a bid to limit the fallout from the beef controversy, officials said.

“We will continue to communicate with the US on the beef issue while trying to ease the concerns of Taiwan’s public,” said presidential spokesman Wang Yu-chi.

TAIPEI, Tuesday, AFP