CPPCC members split over Hong Kong's milk powder rules
Opinions among members of China's top political consultative body about Hong Kong's new measures to curb exports of milk formula were a mixed bag on Sunday.
Opinions among members of China's top political consultative body about Hong Kong's new measures to curb exports of milk formula were a mixed bag on Sunday.
They spoke on the sidelines of the opening session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, only days after the Hong Kong regulation took effect over the weeked. Under the new rules to protect the local supply of infant milk formula, one carrier can take only two tins, or 1.8kg, out of Hong Kong. Offenders face up to two years in prison and a fine of up to HK$500,000.
Wang Xudong, head of the School of Information Technology at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, lashed out at Hong Kong’s measures, calling them strict.
Since Hong Kong is a free trading port, the regulations are not in accordance with Hong Kong’s long-term development, nor is it in line with the free market philosophy
“The Hong Kong government is way out of line…[It] only cares about Hong Kong’s babies, not at all for the ones on the mainland. [It thinks] it isn’t enough to only seize milk powder, but even imprison the carriers,” Wang said.
Hui Chi-ming, chairman of the Hong Kong General Association of International Investment, said the limits were only short-term measures.
He said: “Since Hong Kong is a free trading port, the regulations are not in accordance with Hong Kong’s long-term development, nor is it in line with the free market philosophy.”
Other CPPCC members called for a serious crackdown on food safety violators after an seemingly endless stream of scandals in China. They said food safety issues were at the core of the milk power controversy.
Three-time CPPCC member Pan Qinglin from Tianjin urged heavier punishment on offenders. “I suggest imposing the death penalty to [foodmakers who put people in danger]… [Food fabrication] has damaged the image of the Chinese Communist Party,” he said.