sanctions on Moscow are to blame for their woes. Many African countries depend heavily on Ukrainian and Russian imports for their food supply, and some say U.S. Since the war broke out, exports of the grain, as well as maize and sunflower oil, have been severely disrupted. Russia and Ukraine are the world’s largest and fifth-largest wheat exporters respectively. The worry about global food insecurity began soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. is the major instigator behind the current global food crisis.”

“In contrast to China’s contributions to global food security, the U.S. It is unnecessary for the country to ‘hoard grains’ in the international market,” an article in the state-affiliated Global Times said. “Currently China supplies over 95 percent of its own needs for grain. Russia and Turkey voiced support this week for creation of a safe maritime corridor in the Black Sea so Ukraine can export grain, but Russia demanded that the Black Sea be demined and Turkey said allowing the Ukraine exports should be accompanied by easing Western sanctions against Russia.Ĭhina has hit back at the accusations of hoarding. “We are concerned that China is building up its domestic stocks and continuing to purchase grain on the global market at a time when we would love to see it be able to help those who are in need,” he added.įILE - Scattered grain sits inside a warehouse damaged by Russian attacks in Cherkaska Lozova, on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine, May 28, 2022. Ambassador Jim O’Brien, head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, replied, “We would love to see China act like the large power it is in helping to address the problem in the global food market.” The U.S., for its part, has accused China of hoarding, after President Xi Jinping said earlier this year that food security in China was a primary concern and urged farmers to scale up production to ensure the world’s most populous country was self-sufficient.Īsked by VOA if the Asian giant couldn’t help combat food insecurity caused by the Ukraine conflict, U.S. The world’s superpowers, China and the U.S., say they are trying to mitigate the fallout but at the same time are accusing each other of exacerbating the crisis.Ī state newspaper, The China Daily, placed blame for the situation partially on Washington, saying: “Food prices have reached an all-time high, as Russian and Ukrainian grain exports are hindered by port disruptions and Western sanctions.” Food insecurity is rising globally because of the war in Ukraine, according to experts, with Africa expected to be hit the hardest.

China stockpile food