China is stepping up the purchase of autumn grain, with companies in the country's major grain-producing areas purchasing over 40 million tons of grain so far, data from the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration showed on Friday.
The planting areas of this year's autumn grain grow steadily and the per-unit yield of grain increases significantly, which ensures most provinces and regions in China see higher autumn grain output.
Middle- and late-season rice are sold on market as the purchasing activities are carried out from south to north of China. Over 23 million tons of middle- and late-season rice have been purchased by far.
This year China set the floor purchase price for indica rice and japonica rice at 2,580 yuan (around 362.22 U.S. dollars) per ton and 2,620 yuan (around 367.84 U.S. dollars) per ton respectively to protect the interests of growers in the country's main producing areas.
The purchase price of high-quality rice across China is significantly higher than that of ordinary rice.
The purchase price difference between high-quality and ordinary varieties ranges from 300 to 600 yuan (around 42.12 to 84.24 U.S. dollars) per ton, according to Cheng Min, senior economist from China National Grain and Oils Information Center.
"The price of middle- and late-season rice in new season is expected to remain generally stable this year, with higher purchase prices set for rice of higher quality," said Cheng.
Over 40 million tons of autumn grain purchased in China
Over 40 million tons of autumn grain purchased in China
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
