China can maintain domestic grain supply: Chinese FM

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In response to criticism from some Western countries that China is hoarding grain and calling for more action for global food security, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday that his country can ensure domestic grain supply for the Chinese people and that there is no need to stockpile food from the international market.

"China is fully equipped, capable and confident on its own strength to ensure food supply for the Chinese people," Wang stated.

According to Wang, the Chinese government values food security and is committed to self-sufficiency in grain production and absolute grain security, noting that China's grain production has been stable at more than 1.3 trillion jin (650 billion kilograms) for seven consecutive years as the world's largest grain producer and third-largest grain exporter.

He also added that China produces one-fourth of the world's total grain output and feeds one-fifth of the world's population with less than 9% of the world's land area, making a massive contribution to worldwide food security.

Following the maturity of wheat in key domestic summer grain areas, numerous large production areas began harvesting while pushing technology to decrease harvest machines' attrition in order to boost yield, according to China's official broadcaster CCTV on Friday. 

Local farmers have increased their efforts to grow or harvest summer grain as the traditional Chinese calendar day indicates good harvest approaches.

As of May 27, total harvested wheat lands reached 1,67 million hectares, with overall progress reaching 8.2%, one percentage point quicker than in 2021.

China has taken steps to contribute to world food security. As a key strategic partner in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's (UN FAO) South-South Cooperation, China has contributed $130 million to the framework fund in previous years.

As the developing country with the most funding, sending out the most experts and implementing the most projects under the FAO's South-South Cooperation framework, China also sent out a large number of technicians and experts to Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Pacific Island countries, and France.

China has also supplied emergency food help to a number of nations since the start of Covid-19 outbreaks while lobbying for reduced food loss and waste. In 2021, China hosted the International Conference on Food Loss and Waste, which drew enthusiastic responses from the international community.

Wang also asked relevant nations to take greater international responsibility by decreasing wasteful food waste, citing the fact that many poor countries continue to face food shortages, while some affluent countries continue to squander a considerable amount of food.

According to figures from the US Department of Agriculture, 30 to 40% of food in the US is lost each year, with a total of 103 million tons worth $161 billion wasted in 2018.