AUSTRALIA, Feb 07 (IPS) – Safeguarding food security has long been a critical priority for the Chinese central government. President Xi’s latest comments and meetings demonstrate continued concerns at the top about China’s food security. Ahead of the 20th National Congress this year and the release of the No 1 policy document, there are already several hints regarding what the Chinese central authorities could prioritise in terms of food security for this year and beyond. Other factors, including the potential influences of gene-edited plants, commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops, and of a Russia-Ukraine conflict should also be considered.
Security Council LIVE: Rising tensions in Gaza, West Bank 
More health workers, stronger systems: Africa’s new ambitious goal 
Deadly floods cause widespread destruction in China, Nepal 
Explainer: UN peace operations work to create, preserve peace 
Red Sea nations step up maritime cooperation as regional threats grow 
Land models sprout as degradation threatens billions of livelihoods