The Role of International Cooperation in the Chinese Food Security Strategy

China's food security strategy is based on the principle of self-reliance. In the light of its historical experience, Beijing approaches the issue of attracting external resources in this area with caution. The integration of external vector into the national strategy has been gradual, from the assumption that external resources can be used in critical situations to a comprehensive vision of how they can contribute to domestic development. Along the way, China has progressively introduced measures to support domestic producers under the "bringing in" and "going out" policies and to promote international cooperation in food and agriculture. This was designed to reduce the pressure on domestic resources and contribute to the formation of a supportive external environment that favours the development of modern agriculture at home. As a result, there has been adopted the formula "utilising two markets, two resources": the external vector has become an important complementary element in ensuring food security. Along with its integration into the national strategy, there are trends towards systematising and scaling up. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, there has been strengthened interministerial coordination in planning the development of international cooperation in food and agriculture and expanded the tools used, from innovative formats for science and technology cooperation to more active participation in the global governance agenda on food security. In its efforts to shape a supportive external environment, China is endeavouring to take a proactive stance. This is reflected both in greater involvement in regional and international organisations on the food and agriculture agenda and in the promotion of its own initiatives.