China bans imports of South Korean air purifiers

China has banned imports of South Korean air purifiers, industry sources said Friday, amid growing concerns Beijing is retaliating against Seoul’s move to install an advanced U.S. missile defense system.

Air purifiers made by LG Electronics Inc., Shinil Co. and two other South Korean firms were listed as disqualified by Chinese authorities on Dec. 20, along with air purifiers produced by four other foreign manufacturers, due to safety problems and poor performance, the sources said.

China is believed to be economically retaliating against Seoul’s decision in July to have the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system deployed on South Korean soil late this year. South Korea says the missile system will not target China but only counter threats from North Korea.

China recently rejected shipments of bidets made by 22 South Korean manufacturers, citing poor power connection and instructions.

China has also banned imports of South Korean cosmetics that are widely consumed by Chinese women influenced by the popularity of Korean pop culture in the world’s most populous country.

Several Lotte Department Stores and its affiliated outlets in China have been under strict tax, safety and hygiene inspections since November, although Chinese authorities have denied any connection to THAAD.

Lotte, a South Korean retail giant, is expected to conclude a deal soon for the swap of a golf course in Seongju County, North Gyeongsang Province, for a piece of land near Seoul owned by the Defense Ministry for the deployment of THAAD.