China comments on imported coal, FM visit to Japan

China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said it was strengthening safety inspections after imported coal failed to meet Chinese environmental standards.

Spokesperson Zhao Lijian commented after a question was posed on blocked Australian coal imports, with carriers stranded off Chinese ports.

"The Chinese side has strengthened the quality and safety inspection and environmental project testing of imported coal in accordance with law in order to better protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and environmental safety," Zhao said.

He also said China and Japan has agreed to resume business travel under a fast track program, set to launch on November 30.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday, and his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, agreed to resume business travel between the world's No. 2 and No. 3 economies through a "business track" program that will allow visitors to engage in limited activities during their 14-day quarantine periods.