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25 July 2024

Readying for war or being prepared for crises? China’s stockpiling of resources raises eyebrows and questions

Bong Xin Ying

SINGAPORE: What do grain, oil, copper, cobalt and iron ore have in common?

They’re but some of the key resources and minerals China has recently been amassing, according to media reports, in an alleged pattern of behaviour that has blared red for some observers and rival superpower the United States.

Chief of which is Washington’s concern that Beijing’s hoarding could be a precursor to war - specifically over Taiwan which it claims as its territory - as singled out during a hearing last month by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

While Beijing understandably keeps its cards close to its chest, analysts CNA spoke to believe preparation for war is but one piece of the overall stockpiling puzzle - and even then, it’s likely low on the priority list.

Instead, they see the latest fortification of national reserves as primarily aimed at ensuring the world’s second-largest economy is primed for potential shocks arising from a tumultuous geopolitical environment, climate change, and natural disasters.

“The focus is less on imminent war and more on long-term resilience and strategic positioning,” said Mr Andy Mok, a senior research fellow at Beijing-based think tank, Center for China and Globalization.

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