China is building up huge secret reserves of food, raw materials and energy resources in preparation for possible future problems, writes The Economist.

Last year, China's imports of many basic commodities broke records, and imports of all kinds of goods rose by 16% in volume terms. And they will continue to grow through 2024, despite high prices. The US, for example, predicts that China's wheat and corn stocks will soon be 51% and 67% of the world's, respectively.

China is a major importer of raw materials and food products. However, given the country's economic woes, this dynamic does not reflect growing consumption. According to The Economist, Beijing is stockpiling resources because it fears that Trump, if elected, might try to cut off China's main supply routes or start a protracted conflict over Taiwan.

The US is concerned about Chinese stockpiling, particularly in the context of its military build-up.