[Correspondent Diary] Xi Jinping's 'Food Security'... China Preparing for a Long-Term Battle

Chinese State Media Launch Extensive Pre-prepared Feature Articles
On the Surface Floods, Beneath Lies Preparation for Prolonged US-China Conflict

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] 'Xi Jinping emphasizes important instructions', 'Firmly restrain food waste behavior'

China's state-run People's Daily published on the front page of its June 12 issue the directive from President Xi Jinping to "reduce food waste."

Additionally, an editorial article by a People's Daily commentator urging the restraint of food waste behavior was placed below the front-page headline.

On page 7, it covered the results of an on-site investigation by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealing that the amount of food wasted annually in restaurants in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu is enough to feed 30 to 50 million people.

On the same day, Xinhua News Agency published an article similar to that of People's Daily, reporting that egg prices (wholesale basis) have risen about 33% in just over a month. Following pork prices that have nearly doubled compared to a year ago, egg prices are also soaring due to seasonal factors.

Articles by Chinese state media on food waste may seem sudden at first glance, but they are underpinned by the premise of 'food security.'

China has been suffering from floods in cities around the Changjiang (Yangtze River) for over a month due to continuous heavy rains. Property damage is estimated to exceed 30 trillion Korean won, and the number of flood victims is estimated to be over 63 million. Considering that the area around the Changjiang is China's granary, price increases are inevitable. This is the superficial reason.

Behind this lies the US-China conflict. In normal years, China could simply import the lacking food from Western allies such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

However, this is not feasible now. The Chinese government has already declared retaliation against agricultural and livestock products from Australia and New Zealand, who share the United States' stance. To curb soaring prices, China cannot reach out to these countries. The first phase trade agreement with the US can be terminated at any time.

The Chinese government's efforts to raise awareness about food waste appear to be in consideration of the prolonged US-China conflict.

The tension between the US and China, which began as a trade dispute, has expanded to issues directly related to China's core interests such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Xinjiang Uyghur, and the South China Sea, reaching a peak of animosity between the two countries. Since neither side can concede on any of these agendas, the conflict is likely to be prolonged.

Depending on the situation, a localized conflict between the US and China may be inevitable. This is why the Chinese government's food waste regulations should not be dismissed as mere gossip.

We also need to prepare for a prolonged US-China conflict. Being entangled with North Korea's nuclear issue, we will inevitably be forced to make a choice at some point. From climate change to food security, economy including imports and exports, and North Korean issues, none of these are easy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.