THE WHAT? China’s medical regulator has suspended imports from Japanese cosmetics company Hoyu Co after conducting an online inspection of its factory in Japan.

THE DETAILS  The inspection by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) focused on whether Hoyu was producing cosmetics in accordance with technical requirements. Hoyu Co confirmed the inspection but did not comment on the suspension of imports.

THE WHY? This incident occurs amid complex trade relations between China and Japan, with China being Japan’s largest source of imports and largest export market. The issue also follows recent political and environmental tensions between the two countries.