China food security: Premier Li Keqiang warns of ‘new challenges’ as Ukraine war poses risk to world supply
- Premier Li Keqiang says the complicated international environment, spikes in prices and market volatility are putting pressure on food security
- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has warned of a possible worldwide food crisis, as the war in Ukraine threatens production of key staple crops
China’s top leadership has raised the alarm about growing risks to global food security caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while doubling down on the push for self-reliance in grains and fertiliser.
The country’s agricultural production and domestic development face “new challenges” due to the complicated and grim international environment, sharp increases in prices and volatility in the global market for farm products, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, alluding to the impact of war in Ukraine.
During a rare inspection of the agricultural ministry on Wednesday, he told officials to ensure steady domestic food output to cope with external uncertainties.
“This is crucial for stabilising prices, the economy and the overall social situation,” Li said, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.