China Urges Stocking Up Ahead of Winter, Prompting Worries Online

November 2, 2021

(Bloomberg) - A statement from China’s government urging local authorities to ensure there was adequate food supply during the winter and encouraging people to stock up on some essentials prompted concerned talk online, with people linking it with the widening coronavirus outbreak, a forecast cold snap, or even rising tensions with Taiwan.

The Ministry of Commerce urged local authorities to stabilize prices and ensure supplies of daily necessities including vegetables this winter and next spring, according to a statement Monday evening. Chinese households were also encouraged to stock up on a certain amount of daily necessities in preparation for the winter months or emergencies.

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Watch Post Commentary: Some commentators believe that China is signaling its intent to invade Taiwan in the coming winter months. Such an invasion would have widespread implications for the global supply chain. Things could become much harder to come by. Whether or not this takes place, the warning is one that Americans should heed as well. Stock up on essentials like medicines, personal care products, water, and of course shelf stable, non-perishable foods if you can. Just buying an extra package of key items each time you visit the store can help.