BBC Chinese recently reported that the Chinese government has changed its tone in newly released official documents, stating that China’s food policy is shifting its focus from quantity to quality. The latest official national economic development blueprints are setting a food production goal that’s way below the domestic consumption level. Due to the rapid growth in population, the government is no longer seeking self-sufficiency in terms of food supply. Food self-sufficiency used to be one of the primary promises that the Chinese Communist Party made to the Chinese people. The policy makers are now paying more attention to food safety and quality. Since 2004, China has been a net food importer.
Source: BBC Chinese, February 12, 2014
http://www.bbc.co.uk/zhongwen/simp/press_review/2014/02/140212_uk_press.shtml