Beijing slows Japan cargo with closer customs inspection

Time:2010-09-28 Browse:40 Author:RISINGSUN

CHINA has carried out more stringent inspection of Japanese cargo after demanding an apology and compensation from Japan for the detention the captain of a Chinese trawler that collided with two Japanese coast guard cutters in waters near disputed islands claimed by the two countries, reports the Asahi Shimbun.

China Customs has begun checking all commercial air cargo to Japan through X-ray inspections instead of the usual sample inspections of 10 to 20 per cent of all cargo, said the report. Also, customs has examined more cargo to and from Japan, slowing trade of auto parts, machinery and other items.


Customs agents in Beijing and Shanghai have taken their time in releasing export air cargo to Japan, resulting in more consignments being delayed owing to missing cargo flight schedules, said the report.


At Shanghai, Japan-bound containers have been left on the docks because of delays in obtaining export permits. Tianjin and other Chinese ports report similar problems, said the Japanese daily.


Since both China and Japan claim that they have sovereignty over the islands, the dispute is expected to intensify after Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan rejected demands for an apology and compensation.