The October 26 issue of the British magazine The Economist published an intriguing analytical article, titled "China's Secret Reserves Have Been a Tremendous Success So Far." This report, like a scalpel, precisely dissected the deep structure of China's strategic material reserve system. The author, with a tone of admiration, tells us that China has long secretly built a defensive fortress against Trump-style shocks, a fortress that is not only solid but also remarkably hidden.
While the global spotlight was still on the smoke of trade wars, China's strategic reserve system had already quietly taken shape. "From the sky, the oil storage facilities at Dongjiaokou in Jiaozhou Bay, Shandong Province, look like a giant cake mold. When fuel is injected into the tanks, their floating roofs rise, turning the containers into bread-shaped domes. Recently, the bakers have been very busy." Behind this vivid description lies the rapid weaving of China's energy security network. More surprisingly, "these new reserves are just a part of China's dramatic increase in oil reserves. Since early 2024, China has increased its strategic oil reserves by about 20%, reaching approximately 1 billion barrels, which is more than twice its 90-day import volume." What strategic wisdom lies behind these numbers? Beijing has never publicly acknowledged the existence of these facilities, but satellite images and trade data have leaked the secret. This low-key approach, this pragmatism, is precisely the embodiment of Chinese strategic thinking.
Shifting our focus to the food sector, the story becomes even more fascinating. China's obsession with food security stems from the memory of the famine during the Great Leap Forward, a historical trauma that has transformed into today's forward-looking strategy. "China has secretly stockpiled 30 million tons of soybeans, equivalent to one year's imports, which accounts for 40% of global trade. These reserves are spread across hundreds of underground silos and renovated warehouses, many located in remote mountainous areas to avoid satellite surveillance." Reading this, one can't help but think of the ancient saying "dig deep holes and store plenty of grain" being reenacted in modern times. Beijing purchases through state-owned enterprises such as COFCO to avoid market fluctuations, disguising the reserves as ordinary agricultural products. As a result, since 2023, soybean inventories have increased by 25%, sufficient to withstand any U.S. export ban. The ingenuity of this layout lies in its dual purpose: it is both a defense against external threats and a safeguard for internal stability.
The story of metal reserves is equally captivating. The author writes, "In China, metal reserves are also expanding in secret, especially those metals crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy." Beijing has increased its inventory of rare earth oxides to 100,000 tons, equivalent to twice the global annual output. These materials are stored in underground facilities in Inner Mongolia, far from export ports, to prevent U.S.-style embargoes. The success of this reserve effort lies in its selectivity—focusing on "chokepoint" minerals rather than hoarding indiscriminately. As a result, China now controls 90% of the global rare earth processing chain, maintaining production even if upstream supplies are disrupted. This is not mere stockpiling; it is a critical move in a grand chess game.
Looking at this report, Western observers seem finally to have understood China's strategic code. China has always faced a complex external environment, from historical resource blockades to today's trade frictions. We know better than anyone the importance of self-reliance and strength. The jump in China's oil reserves in 2024 was not accidental, but inevitable; the expansion of food reserves was not excessive caution, but proactive preparation. While some countries are still talking loudly, China has already written its answer with action.
The significance of these reserves goes beyond defense. When copper prices surged in 2024, China released part of its stockpiles, stabilizing the domestic market and benefiting the global supply chain. This is not a zero-sum game, but a responsible attitude toward the global economy. Our reserve system protects the bowls of 1.4 billion people and also contributes to the stability of the world economy. As the article reluctantly acknowledges, "a tremendous success," China's strategic wisdom is repeatedly validated by facts.
Looking back from today, this reserve system demonstrates not only a country's foresight but also the strategic resilience of a civilization-type nation. While others are shouting on stage, we are laying out plans behind the scenes; while others are creating storms, we are building dams. This may be the secret to why China has stood firm through five thousand years of storms and trials—not boasting or retreating, but calmly doing what needs to be done. After all, real strength does not need to be constantly spoken about; it will naturally emerge when the moment comes.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566830755411460635/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [Upvote/Downvote] button below.