China’s Natural Security for the Next Five Years

Natural Security Blog: Post

March 9, 2011 | Posted by Zachary Keck, Joseph S. Nye, Jr. Research Intern - 7:17am | 12 Comments

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a speech on China’s five year plan at the Eleventh Party Congress on Saturday. (The Wall Street Journal provided a transcript here.) His remarks covered the gamut of state policy issues, but natural security challenges played a prominent role throughout. Since China plays a vital role in the topics we address on this blog, Premier Wen’s remarks are worth recounting at length.

Environment

Wen’s speech linked China’s economic growth and energy policies to environmental issues like climate change. This emphasis on climate change and environmentally friendly policies was one of the more noteworthy parts of the new five year plan, with Wen boldly pledging to “actively respond to climate change.” It seems that dealing with climate change is now seen by the Party leadership as an important element for sustaining economic growth. In fact, in a February 27, 2011 webinar, Wen told citizens that rapid economic growth would not come at the expense of the environment, according to Xinhua News. At times, Wen’s speech implied that dealing with environmental issues was also important for social stability. This was particularly true with regard to pollution. On pollution, Premier Wen said that Beijing would address marine, water, air and heavy metal pollution. Wen also pledged to “carry out major ecological restoration projects, intensify the protection and management of major functional ecological zones…. [and] protect natural forest resources.”

Energy

Energy continues to be an important issue for the Chinese government. Maintaining adequate energy supplies is crucial for sustaining economic growth at the level the Party believes is vital for its political survival. The major theme from Wen’s speech was the need to utilize energy more efficiently. In this vein, he promised to “actively promote changes in the way energy is produced and used, to raise energy efficiency.” Perhaps with an eye towards 2012, when Wen and Hu will hand over power, Premier Wen’s speech established very precise energy goals. Still, in the next five years, according to Wen, 11.4 percent of primary energy consumption should come from non-fossil fuels, which will help curb energy consumption per unit of GDP by 16 percent and CO2 emissions per unit of GDP by 17 percent. Just yesterday, a spokesman for the National Development and Reform Commission told Xinhua News that in 2011 both energy and carbon emissions per unit of GDP would be cut 3.5 percent from their 2010 totals.

Food Security

Food security was also a subject that Premier Wen discussed at length. “We will make safeguarding food security our primary goal,” Wen told delegates at the National People’s Congress. He then announced that provincial governors would be responsible for ensuring adequate amounts of grain, while city mayors would be in charge of the “vegetable basket,” or non-grain food supplies. To help ensure the supply of the vegetable basket, Wen announced the “green channels” program, which will allow trucks carrying vegetables free passage on toll roads.

Wen’s attention to food security comes in the wake of higher food prices – which some have suggested contributed, at least in part, to the unrest sweeping across the Arab world – as well as widespread drought in China that threatens to undermine agricultural production. But perhaps Wen’s attention to food security is also part of the more populist image the Hu and Wen administration have been cultivating for some time. In contrast to their predecessors’ “growth at any cost” approach to economic development, the current administration has tried to spread economic benefits to larger portions of the Chinese populace, a policy often referred to as the “Scientific Development Concept.”

Building on the last five year plan (2006-2011), this iteration suggests that the CCP is committed to sustainable development. With other countries in the region also becoming increasingly attentive to issues such as climate change, energy and food security, the United States has an opportunity to engage China and the rest of the region to craft regional solutions to these common challenges.

China, Energy, Food, Natural Security

12 comments

Comment by internet marketing bedrijf on June 4, 2011 - 5:54pm

Dit artikel is zeer

Dit artikel is zeer interessant, vooral omdat ik op zoek was naar gedachten over dit onderwerp afgelopen donderdag.

Comment by Visitor on June 8, 2011 - 8:54pm

marc jacobs eyeglasses is

marc jacobs eyeglasses is correctional eyesight or eye protection and make simple optical device. Composed by lens and frames. Vision correction use glasses have myopia discount marc jacobs sunglasses and farsightedness glasses, marc jacobs and astigmatism glasses four. Protect eyes with glasses have bond and basto protection lens, the degree of FengJing and fairy dean Laura cindylaura sunglasses, etc. marc jacobs sunglasses is both eye protection tools, it is a kind of hairdressing decorations.

Comment by huihihi on July 1, 2011 - 10:45pm

Reebok Chicago Blackhawks #37

Comment by Visitor on July 2, 2011 - 2:53am

From 1910, Mademoiselle

From 1910, Mademoiselle Chanel sunglasses loved to expose her skin to the sun, in a time when this was still unheard of and certainly not socially acceptable; the upper classes and aristocracy preferred a pale white skin tone, as tanned skin was a sign of belonging to the working class. True to chanel sunglasses pearl own ideas and convictions, Mademoiselle made products available to her customers, which would enable them to enjoy the sun and sunbathe in total confidence. Thus the first CHANEL sunglasses appeared in 1965. CHANEL sale launched its chanel eyewear activity in 1999 in partnership with the market leader in chanel eyeglasses and chanel sunglasses.

Comment by Herve Leger Dress on July 7, 2011 - 4:36am

Upcoming with Sale Herve

Upcoming with Sale Herve Leger attraction coloring possibilities usually Herve Leger Sale are red-colored in addition to light. Whilst drink garments are Herve Leger On Sale available in many different colorations, these kind of Herve Leger Dress Sale possibilities are generally widely known as Herve Leger Bandage Dress probably the most frequently wanted in Herve Leger Dresses terms of a brief attire.Nearly all garments to Herve Leger Skirts get drink get-togethers usually are 2011 Herve Leger Dresses rather uncomplicated. They could be Herve Leger Strap recycled included around fancy appliqués as well as Franklin Marshall-Shirts sequins. Bright materials accents Gilet Franklin Marshall as well as sashes is the common with Green Bay Packers regard to contributing pizzazz to Houston Texans some brief drink attire.Picking out along with putting on a quick may be wonderful enjoyable continually dare to Supra TK Society help look self-confident within asics gel shoes the duration.

Comment by jia on July 8, 2011 - 3:08am

Almost every woman

Almost every woman wantsgianmarco lorenzi to own at least one pair of designer gianmarco lorenzi shoes shoes, as they are unique, comfortable, of high quality gianmarco lorenzi crystal platform pump and realize their gianmarco lorenzi pumps dreams. Designers all over the world seem to be competing to givegianmarco lorenzi boots women the most amazing and eye catching designs. Gianmarco Lorenzi shoes are among the best ofgianmarco lorenzi outlet designer shoes. He designs many different styles every gianmarco lorenzi for less season and the shoes are made from top quality material and often have
gianmarco lorenzi heels rhinestone embellishments. The cheap Gianmarco Lorenzi shoes often have doubled up platform and stiletto high heels. Now 2011 Gianmarco Lorenzi shoes new style arrival,gianmarco lorenzi knockoffs each shoe expresses individuality and good taste, this is why they are highly appreciated. You must like the fashion Gianmarco Lorenzi shoes at the first sight.

Comment by Visitor on July 8, 2011 - 10:53pm

feiduting BrandDream, Top

feiduting
BrandDream, Top designer apparel supplier, FREE SHIPPING(for orders of 10pcs to US, UK, CA and AU), louboutin shoes, Cheap Ralph Lauren polo shirts, Cheap Ed Hardy Wholesale, juicy couture tracksuits, Cheap Christian Louboutin Shoes, Discount Sheepskin Boots, Wholesale Abercrombie, Christian Audigier Clothing and Shopping
wholesale designer clothing, accept Credit Card and PayPal, Quality Guarantee, Good Discounts and Trusty Business.

Do you know the different between the replica and fake watch? In fact the replica watches is made from the similar material and parts with the orginal one,the more important it is legal, however the fake is illegal.

A wide range of high quality and excellent perfermance wholesale Jerseys, wholesale nike shox, Cheap Nike airmax Shoes wholesale and Cheap Nike airmax Shoes in our shop welcome your visit.wholesale Jerseys, wholesale nike shox, Cheap Nike airmax Shoes, Cheap Nike airmax Shoes wholesale.

cheap soccer jerseys,replica soccer jerseys are very high sales volume, and many people liked to buy it replica soccer jerseys cheap soccer jerseys.

We mainly deal with handbags, shoes, garment, promotions and gifts. wholesale designer handbags, Wholesale shoes from china, wholesale fashion accessories, wholesale designer sunglasses, wholesale products from china. For many years' experience, our companies has been always complying with the contract and attaching great importance to good faith.

Newest styles and brands of hats & caps including baseball caps, new era cap, DC fitteds, fillipino flag hats and sports team caps.
Pandora Jewelry could bring you a feeling of peace and quiet, buy discount Pandora bracelets here with free shipping.
DONG XU (HONG KONG) INTERNATIONAL TRADING CO., LTD (DX) which is located in the famous city of china-Guangzhou. Fashion brand clothes, bags, shoes, jewellery ,A&F women’s t-shirts are our mainly products

Comment by Visitor on July 8, 2011 - 10:57pm

feiduting BrandDream, Top

Comment by juicy couture diaper bag on July 16, 2011 - 10:40am

Nice read, I just passed this

Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile

Therefore let me rephrase that: Thank you for lunch!

Comment by lighting from manufacturer on August 27, 2011 - 1:41pm

You ought to actually think

You ought to actually think about working on developing this weblog into a significant authority on this market. You evidently have a grasp deal with of the topics everyone seems to be trying to find on this web site anyhow and you could possibly definitely even earn a buck or two off of some advertisements. I'd explore following latest matters and elevating the amount of write ups you place up and I assure you’d begin seeing some superb focused visitors in the near future. Just a thought, good luck in whatever you do!

Comment by Sustanon on October 16, 2011 - 4:21am

Geweldig spul van jou, man.

Geweldig spul van jou, man. Ive te lezen voordat je spullen en je bent gewoon te awesome. Ik hou van wat youve hier hebben, houden van wat youre zeggen en de manier waarop je het zegt. Maak je het leuke en u nog steeds te houden slim. Ik kan niet wachten om meer te lezen van je. Dit is echt een geweldig blog.

Comment by replica louis vuitton on November 12, 2011 - 12:37am

This web site can be a

This web site can be a stroll-by for all of the info you wished about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse right here, and also you’ll positively

uncover it.

Center for a New American Security

Categories

Blogroll

Archive

Natural Security Blog: Post

China’s Natural Security for the Next Five Years

12 comments

Dit artikel is zeer

marc jacobs eyeglasses is

Reebok Chicago Blackhawks #37

From 1910, Mademoiselle

Upcoming with Sale Herve

Almost every woman

feiduting BrandDream, Top

feiduting BrandDream, Top

Nice read, I just passed this

You ought to actually think

Geweldig spul van jou, man.

This web site can be a

Add your comment