Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the importance of food security, labeling it a "political responsibility" for major agricultural regions. During his visit to northeastern China, Xi emphasized the need for further reform to boost the region's economy, advocating for a market-oriented and internationally integrated business environment. Acknowledging the challenges faced by northeastern provinces, Xi encouraged modern agricultural practices and the development of diverse food supply systems to enhance sustainability. He aims to revitalize the region's economy by implementing strategies that address economic challenges and promote growth.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the significance of food security, stating that it is a "political responsibility" for key agricultural regions. While touring northeastern China, President Xi underscored the importance of "further reform and opening up" to revitalize the region's economy, urging the area to foster a more "market-oriented, rule-based, and internationally integrated" business environment.
During a meeting with local officials in Changchun, the capital of Jilin province, President Xi stated, "Guaranteeing national food security is the political responsibility of large agricultural and food provinces." He also encouraged Jilin to embrace modern agricultural practices, promote sustainable and high-quality agriculture, and develop a diverse food supply system.
The northeastern provinces of China, including Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning, are vital grain-producing regions but have faced economic challenges in recent years. Despite this, they remain fundamental to China's food supply, collectively contributing a quarter of the nation's grain production.
While China has witnessed a growth in food production over the past two decades, there has been an increased reliance on imports. However, the agriculture ministry projects that the country will achieve self-sufficiency, producing 91.5 percent of its food requirements within the next decade.
In 2020, China was a net exporter of wheat and produced the majority of its rice and corn consumption. However, its soybean production only met 17 percent of its demand, leading to dependencies on imports, particularly from the United States. President Xi's visit underscored the region's significance for environmental protection, national security, and industrial development.
President Xi highlighted the importance of implementing the northeastern revitalization strategy to boost the region's economic prospects, which have seen a decline in contribution to the national GDP over the years. The region faces challenges such as an aging population and a lack of business-friendly opportunities, leading to the outflow of younger residents.
President Xi's visits to the northeastern provinces this year demonstrate his commitment to the economic rejuvenation of these areas. By emphasizing strategies for revitalization and acknowledging the region's role in national development, President Xi aims to uplift the economic prospects and living standards in northeastern China.
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