China says grain reserves can withstand El Niño risks
Chinese officials have sought to reassure the public that national grain reserves remain above international safety thresholds as concern grows about food-security risks linked to El Niño. National Development and Reform Commission official Li Chao said China had sufficient capacity to withstand challenges posed by the weather pattern.
Chinese officials have said the country’s grain reserves provide a strong basis for managing food-security risks associated with El Niño. Li Chao, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, gave the assurance at a press conference on Tuesday, according to the South China Morning Post. He said China had a solid foundation and sufficient capacity to withstand risks and challenges such as El Niño.
Officials also said national grain reserves remained well above international safety thresholds. The remarks followed comments by Liu Huanxin on Monday, although the supplied material does not give details of those comments. The assurances came amid wider concern about the potential effect of the weather pattern on food security.
The available report does not specify the size of China’s reserves, the thresholds cited, or any projected impact on domestic supplies. Officials’ position, as reported, is that existing reserves leave China sufficiently prepared to manage the risks under discussion.
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