Argentina on Monday summoned the Chinese ambassador to complain about restrictions imposed by Beijing on Argentine soybean oil, officials said. Chinese Ambassador Zeng Gang was called to a meeting Monday with Foreign Minister Jorge Taiana for discussions after China last week halted Argentine soybean oil imports.
A foreign ministry source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Taiana expressed "the distress and concern of the Argentine government" over the suspension of an estimated two billion dollars worth of soybean oil. Industry Minister Debora Giorgi told reporters the Chinese appeared to be acting on the basis of health concerns.