Xi Jinping’s “Big Food Concept” Sparks Debate and Concerns over China’s Food Security
In a recent development in China, President Xi Jinping has introduced a new term called the “big food concept”, which has sparked heated discussions and raised concerns about the country’s food security. The term was introduced following the “new quality productivity” initiative and aims to diversify food sources, maintain quality and quantity, and ensure food security.
The People’s Daily, the official media of the Communist Party of China, published an article quoting Xi Jinping emphasizing the importance of establishing a big food concept. During inspections in Guangdong and Hunan, Xi stressed the need to actively develop characteristic agriculture, improve agricultural industrialization, and ensure food security through a diversified approach to food production.
Economist Qin Weiping, living in the United States, believes that Xi’s new concept serves as a subtle reminder to pay more attention to food security and not be too selective in food choices. With China heavily relying on food imports, Qin points out the importance of ensuring food security for the stability of the regime.
Despite Xi Jinping’s efforts to address food security concerns, doubts remain about the effectiveness of the “big food concept.” Commentators like Yokogawa, living in the US, argue that solving China’s food issues requires a market economy approach and land privatization, instead of a planned economy solution proposed by Xi.
Additionally, China’s food safety issues have come under scrutiny with reports of using dog food raw materials in sausages and other unethical practices. Yokogawa blames the government for not fulfilling its responsibilities and the lack of adherence to laws, leading to widespread food safety concerns.
The introduction of the “big food concept” by Xi Jinping has also received ridicule from netizens, with some sarcastically commenting on social media platforms overseas. The skepticism and concerns over China’s food security and safety issues continue to grow, highlighting the need for concrete solutions to address these critical challenges.