Chinese ambassador calls for strengthening China-US agricultural ties

Qin noted that in 2021, bilateral agricultural trade reached $46.4 billion, hitting a record high, and that China's agricultural imports from the US stood at $38.85 billion, a growth of 64.8 percent from an already high base in 2020.

Such a rate was higher than the 28.6 percent growth of China's agricultural imports from the world, and much higher than the 23.3 percent growth of US exports to the world.

According to the US Export Report 2022 recently issued by the US-China Business Council, as China implemented the phase one trade deal, US farmers exported billions of dollars more in oilseeds and grains and over a billion dollars more in meat products, which improved the wellbeing of farmers in America's heartland.

"Facts have proved that China-US economic and trade relations are win-win in nature, and to restore normal trade ties between the two countries as soon as possible is the shared call of both sides," the ambassador said.

Qin discussed the US-China cooperation on the issue of food security. "As we face a complex and severe situation in agricultural development and food security worldwide, I firmly believe that China and the US, as major agricultural producers, consumers and traders, should meet challenges together, maintain stable development of agriculture, enhance the resilience of agricultural supply chains, ensure food security domestically, and promote cooperation for international food security. This will certainly be helpful for maintaining world peace, promoting global economic development and social stability, and delivering sustainable development."

"Let's bear in mind: no food, no stability, no peace," Qin stressed.

The ambassador mentioned that during the World Food Prize Foundation building tour, he saw the name of Yuan Longping, a well-known Chinese agricultural scientist, among all the names of the World Food Prize laureates.

"Mr Yuan once famously said, 'Be a good seed.'This was not only the cause of his lifetime but also a portrayal of his integrity and big heart as a person," said Qin. "With Mr Yuan's teaching in mind, I have come to Iowa, the heart of America and the warmth and friendship of the people in Iowa touches my heart, and my heart also goes to the people in Iowa. "

"Let's work together, in this sowing season, for the future of China-US relations, for the wellbeing of our two peoples, and for becoming a good seed, with heart!" Qin concluded.