Andrew S. Erickson

Gabriel B. Collins and Andrew S. Erickson, “Keeping the Mandate of Heaven: Why China’s Leaders Focus Heavily on Grain Prices and Security,” China SignPost™ (洞察中国) 22 (17 February 2011).

China SignPost™ 洞察中国–“Clear, high-impact China analysis.”©

• Famine and grain supply problems helped topple at least 5 of China’s 17 dynasties.
• Global grain prices are already near the 2008 levels that sparked food riots in some countries, and continue to rise.
• The Chinese government has already pledged nearly US$2 billion to fight drought in China’s wheat producing North, where 42% of the crop area is currently affected by drought.
• Combating food price inflation will likely remain a major policy priority for Beijing throughout 2011. … … …