China can ensure a food supply for its people through its own efforts and does not need to hoard grain in the international market, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a routine press briefing in response to some Western countries' allegations of China's grain hoarding.
A farmer harvests wheat in the fields of Qianzhuanmen Village, Fucheng County, Hengshui City, north China's Hebei Province, June 13, 2021. (Photo: Xinhua)
“The Chinese government attaches great importance to food security,” Wang said.
China adhered to a food security policy of “ensuring basic self-sufficiency of grain and absolute security of staple food,” Wang said.
China’s grain production has remained over 650 billion kilograms for seven consecutive years, he noted, making it the world’s largest grain producer and third-largest grain exporter.
“China has the conditions, ability and confidence to ensure food supply for Chinese people through its own efforts. There is no need to hoard grain in the international market.”
We urge relevant countries to reduce unnecessary food waste, fulfill their international obligations and shoulder more international responsibilities, the ministry spokesperson said.
(Compiled by Zhu Yingqi and Meng Gaohan)