China’s determination to become self-sufficent and resolve its food security challenges could put the U.S., as the world's leading producer in agriculture, in Beijing’s crosshairs, a federal report warned this week. The report released by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) warned that China’s efforts to bolster its agricultural sector not only pose an economic challenge but a threat to U.S. security. Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed the agricultural industry to expand its seed collection as he looks to cut China’s reliance on foreign resources. Rather than directing its resources for development and research in domestic seed innovations, spying has become a chief tool for its agriculture industry. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Rep. Glenn Thompson told Fox News "food security is national security" and said the USCC report showed the U.S. needs to take tougher stances to safeguard U.S. intellectual property and the agricultural industry.

Source: Fox News May 28, 2022 02:45 UTC