Xi Jinping Urges Chinese Citizens to Be Mindful of Food Waste

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has “declared a war on the squandering of food” and is encouraging citizens to be mindful of issues related to food security.  

In a directive last week, Xi emphasized the importance of cultivating thrifty habits and fostering “a social environment where waste is shameful and thriftiness is applaudable.” These measures stem from concern that import disruptions “caused by the global geopolitical turmoil and the pandemic, as well as some of the country’s worst floods this year, could cut into food supplies.” 

Detractors think Xi’s “clean plate” campaign strikes at the heart of Chinese dining culture, in which ordering more than necessary, and leaving extra food behind, is a way of demonstrating generosity toward one’s friends, relatives, business partners, or other guests.

“The campaign also throws into question the entire business model driving a niche corner of the Chinese internet — livestreamers who have found fame by recording themselves eating vast amounts of food.” 

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