Is a hungry dragon a peaceful dragon: food security implications for China?

This paper examines why food security is a strategic-level security issue for China. It notes that China has achieved a level of food self-sufficiency, reduced its levels of poverty and is currently food secure. However, it also asserts that the challenges of population growth, urbanisation, changing consumer diets, loss of arable land and food safety issues combine to create a circumstance where China risks becoming increasingly 'food insecure'.

The paper analyses China's responses to its food security requirements and outlines the likely implications of China's actions. It contends that China will need to continue reforming its agricultural sector, as well as developing a transparent and sustainable food security policy, if it is to avoid the 'hungry dragon' becoming a threat to domestic and regional stability. It concludes that it is in the interest of all parties, including Australia, that China remains 'food secure'.

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