Taiwanese urged to eat ‘freedom pineapples’ after China import ban

Government rejects Chinese claim that harmful pests had been detected in recent shipments

Taiwanese pineapples have become the latest victim of deteriorating cross-strait relations, after Chinese authorities suddenly banned imports of the fruit.

The ban, which begn on Monday and is indefinite, was announced by the Chinese customs office on Friday. The customs office said harmful pests had been detected in recent shipments.