Kyrgyzstan, a small country in Central Asia, has suspended meat imports from China, in what a Chinese expert described as an apparent move to appeal to Russia and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
The suspension of Chinese meat imports was temporary pending a joint inspection by countries of the EEU to determine whether the imports will be allowed into the EEU or not, local news agency 24.kg reported on Monday, citing the head of the country's Department of the State Inspectorate for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Safety Manas Maikanov.
"All the EEU countries are ready to examine Chinese products. The inspections will show whether imports of meat from China to the EEU will be allowed or not," he was quoted in the report as saying.
He added that as soon as China invites inspectors from the EEU countries, they will go there to examine the quality of meat products, eggs and live animals.
There was no immediate comment from the Chinese government as of press time on Wednesday.
But a Chinese expert called the move "normal" given the Central Asian country's close proximity to Russia and its interest in joining the EEU.
Though China and Kyrgyzstan have maintained a "relatively good" relationship, "it is no secret Kyrgyzstan wants to develop a close relationship with Russia," said Tian Chunsheng, a research fellow at the Development Research Center under the State Council, China's cabinet.
"That seems to make more sense for Kyrgyzstan because it's directly under Russia's influence geopolitically," Tian told the Global Times on Wednesday.
She added that the suspension of Chinese meat imports will have little impact on bilateral trade between China and Kyrgyzstan, given the relatively small volume.
Though it has grown quickly, bilateral trade is still relatively small, reaching $1.43 billion in the first 11 months of 2016, with Chinese imports to the country standing at $1.36 billion, according to a February statement from the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
However, Kyrgyzstan's move to suspend Chinese meat imports shows there are obstacles to further strengthening ties in the Central Asia region, which should be noted, Tian pointed out.
Though China's presence in the region through the "One Belt, One Road" initiative and other programs should pose no competition for Russia or the EEU mechanism, the Russian side is "a little reluctant" in efforts to boost cooperation between the two programs, according to Tian, adding that Russia might be "a bit nervous about the scale of Chinese projects."
Still, Tian said that there should be some common ground that could benefit all parties.
