(ECNS) — Even without importing feed grains and oilseeds from the United States, China's grain supply would not be affected, Zhao Chenxin, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office, Zhao emphasized that China's grain production has achieved 21 consecutive bumper harvests. In 2024, the country's total grain output reached a record 700 million metric tons, with per capita grain availability exceeding 500 kilograms, well above the internationally recognized food security threshold of 400 kilograms. Zhao said China is fully capable of maintaining basic self-sufficiency in grain and ensuring absolute security in staple foods.
In 2024, imports of U.S. sorghum, corn, and soybeans accounted for a very small share of China's overall grain consumption, mainly serving as feed grains with high substitutability. International supply of these products remains abundant, while China's domestic grain reserves are also sufficient, Zhao noted.
Regarding energy security, Zhao stated that China has built a diversified and resilient energy supply system driven by coal, oil, gas, nuclear, and renewable sources, with an energy self-sufficiency rate above 80 percent. Crude oil production remains stable at over 200 million tons annually, and natural gas output has increased by more than 10 billion cubic meters annually for eight consecutive years. Renewable energy installed capacity now accounts for nearly 60 percent of total power capacity.
Zhao added that imports of U.S. crude oil, natural gas, and coal made up a very small share in 2024, accounting for a small portion of China's total energy consumption. With diversified energy import channels and an abundant supply in global markets, reducing or even halting U.S. energy imports would not impact China's domestic energy supply, he said.
(By Zhao Li)