Under rising trade tensions, Beijing insists it can safeguard its food and energy security even if it halts purchases from the United States. Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, outlined why China is ready to stand on its own.
Here's the breakdown:
- Grain reserves: Abundant domestic stores mean U.S. feed grains and oilseeds made up just a sliver of consumption last year. Alternative suppliers around the world can easily fill the gap.
- Energy supply: U.S. imports of crude oil, natural gas and coal account for only a tiny share of China's energy mix. Diverse international sources and strong domestic production keep the lights on.
Looking ahead, the commission will ramp up international cooperation, streamline domestic logistics and keep markets running smoothly to ensure stability in both food and energy.
On the political front, Zhao called recent U.S. reciprocal tariffs a form of "unilateral bullying" that defies economic logic and said China's measured countermeasures aim to uphold fairness, protect legitimate rights and preserve global free trade.
"China will stand together with the vast majority of countries in the world — on the right side of history and on the side of human progress," he concluded.
Reference(s):
China says able to ensure food, energy supply without U.S. imports
cgtn.com
