Geng Shuang, spokesperson of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), commented on the issue of Australian coal being held offshore at Chinese ports, at a press conference on February 21.
In answer to a journalist’s question relating to reports of Australian coal being delayed offshore at Chinese ports and to the statement by Dalian port authorities that they are not accepting any more coal, and on whether this has anything to do with tensions in relations between China and Australia, Geng Shuang stated, “According to the information I have, China's customs assesses the safety and quality of imported coal, analyzes possible risks, and conducts corresponding examinations and inspections compliant with laws and regulations. By doing so, it can better safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese importers and protect the environment.”
An official at Dalian Port Group has told Reuters that Dalian port has decided to ban imports of Australian coal and that it plans to cap overall coal imports through its harbors in 2019 at 12 million mt.