This book presents a concise yet detailed analysis of China’s agricultural economy and food security in historical perspective. The book begins with an overview of China’s socialist economic transition and Deng Xiaoping’s reforms, with an emphasis on agricultural economy and food production, before discussing China’s food industry and security in more recent years.

Combining accessible qualitative interpretations with a rich data set, the author analyses the transitions and evolving policies in China’s agricultural production and shows how these are essential for understanding contemporary food security challenges in the country. Covering topics including food imports and supply, dietary changes, international trade policies and other geopolitical factors impacting food security, the book presents new insights into the interplay between domestic and international systems. Bridging gaps between historical understanding and contemporary policy relevance, this book will be useful reading for researchers in varied disciplines including economic history, agricultural economics, China’s economy, and economic development.