In yesterday's post, we noted the opening of the FDA office in Beijing and the frustration that they are bound to expect.
The struggle has begun.
"China hopes the U.S. side accepts certificates offered by the Chinese quality inspection department on goods to be exported to the United States," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang was quoted as saying by the state-run Xinhua news agency.
In other words, China will not cooperate with American Food and Drug Administration inspectors resident in China and will only issue certificates attesting to a Chinese government inspection.
This is the opening salvo In what should prove to be a major battle, much of which will be fought in public, a spectator's delight, a regulator's nightmare.
