‍By CGTN's Wang Hui

China has responded to a recent spoiled meat scandal that has rocked Brazil, which was discovered in a corruption investigation into allegations that government inspectors allowed rotten and salmonella-tainted meat products to be sold in exchange for bribes.

Although China has suspended beef products from Brazil, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce is deeply concerned about the issue, as the country is the biggest importer of meat from Brazil.

The spokesman of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Sun Jiwen, said at a regular press conference on Thursday that Beijing hopes that Brazil can conduct a thorough probe into the quality of its meat, as well as severely punish companies and individuals found guilty of violating laws and regulations. 

Last week, Brazilian police arrested over two dozen people in raids at several meat-producing plants. Beijing wants to be kept abreast of the latest developments in the investigation, although it is aware of the Brazilian government's commitment to implementing stricter measures to ensure the safety of meat products.‍

Sun also said that Beijing hopes the two governments can strengthen their cooperation, take action together to prevent and deal with possible problems in the sale of meat products, and ensure the safety of meat products exported to China. Sun pointed out that "Beijing would like to protect the interest of Chinese consumers, and facilitate the sustainable and healthy development of economic and trade cooperation between China and Brazil."