CHINA-FOOD RATIONING: CCP CC AND STATE COUNCIL ISSUE NOTIFICATION ON NOVEMBER IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS ON FOOD STORAGE, CONSUMPTION ETC.
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On November 1, the CCP CC General Office and State Council issued a 9-section notification restricting the
storage, consumption etc of food. The Beijing Municipality issued a notification repeating the notice and
its sections: Overall requirements; 2. Improve the conservation and loss reduction in the agricultural
production chain; 3. Improve the loss reduction in food storage; 4. Improve the loss reduction in food
transportation; 5. Improve the conservation and loss reduction in food processing; 6. Resolutely curb the waste
in food and drink consumption; 7. Push for innovation on food conservation and loss reduction; 8. Strengthen
the propaganda and education on food conservation and loss reduction; and 9. Strengthen the food
safeguarding measures.
Separately, the Global Times (November 1) reported that the Chinese government had issued a rare public
advisory asking people to store essential daily necessities for “emergency needs” sparked concern of possible
food shortages, new COVID-19 outbreaks or a likely offensive by China to capture Taiwan. It
quoted a statement issued by China's Ministry of Commerce on November 1, about ensuring stable supplies
and prices of vegetables and daily necessities during the upcoming winter and spring seasons. The Ministry
said that it “encourages families to store a certain amount of daily necessities in accordance with their needs
to meet daily and emergency needs.” The rare public advisory sparked off speculation after it was widely
posted on social media, while official media too began highlighting it on Tuesday though in the form of playing
it down saying that the public should not read too much into it or wrongly interpret the statement. (Comment: The timing of the notification has prompted speculation whether China is headed for a food
shortage or preparing for war with Taiwan or any similar eventuality.)
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