Busy farms may yield better Sino-US ties

Leading figures from groups representing farming interests in the United States and China, including government officials, have expressed the hope that the growing trade in agricultural products between the two countries can play a role in improving bilateral relations.

The government officials, from the national to local levels in both countries, converged via Zoom to open the virtual conference of the US-China Agriculture Roundtable on Monday night, when they stressed need for dialogue and collaboration.

The roundtable hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, or CPAFFC, and the US Heartland China Association, or USHCA, comprises three virtual events taking place over the next few weeks.

The events are showcasing small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises, and dialogues will focus on agricultural education and collaboration strategy on climate change and rural prosperity.

"I hope the conference will bring some warmth to the chilling Sino-US relations," said Lin Songtian, president of the CPAFFC.

Chinese Ambassador to the United States Qin Gang pointed out that the US is the world's largest exporter of agricultural products, while China is the biggest importer. "As a highlight of Sino-US cooperation, agricultural cooperation is well-grounded and highly complementary between the two countries," he said.

By Qin's account, since the phase one trade deal was signed in 2020, China has been faithfully fulfilling its agricultural procurement and commitments.

Win-win nature

"On average, each American farmer exported more than $11,000 (in) agricultural products to China. Agricultural cooperation best explained the win-win nature of our economic and trade relations," Qin said.

Indeed, 2021 was a record year for US-China agricultural trade, said Jason Hafemeister, acting deputy undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the US Department of Agriculture.

Hafemeister said that the US exported more than $33 billion in agricultural products to China last year, jumping from the prior record of $25 billion, and much better than the $10 billion as a result of the US-initiated trade conflict. China was the top export destination for US farmers in 2021.

"We have great optimism that we can do even better. If we can stay on track with the market staying open and China continuing to reform some of its restrictive practices, this in the short term could be a $50 billion market," Hafemeister said.

He said the ups and downs in bilateral agricultural trade offer a lesson. When there is a restriction on trade, US farmers get lower prices and Chinese consumers pay more, and that isn't good for either side.

Ni Pin, president of the China General Chamber of Commerce-Chicago, said that there are about 250 Chinese companies investing in the Midwest, mostly in the agricultural sector.

Echoing the sentiments of other participating officials, Bob Holden, CEO and president of the USHCA, said he is encouraged to see that President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden are maintaining a dialogue.

He stressed that collaboration is essential in three areas－sustainably feeding the growing population, combating climate change and preventing future pandemics－for the planet to survive and thrive.

"We will reap what we sow this season, and this is the season for planting peace in our world," Holden said.

Wuke Zhang in Oxford, Ohio, contributed to this story.