China and Abundant Natural Resources

China has many natural resources, ranging from coal to natural gas, iron ore to mercury, and agriculture to uranium. When joined with other natural resources like zinc, tin, tungsten, and lead, they allow China to open new factories and hire more workers, expanding their already booming economy. Excess supplies that cannot be used in such ways can be exported to other countries, bringing more wealth into the nation. Among China’s vast natural features, four distinct assets provide diversity and fiscal strength to the state.

Farmland – China has sweeping tracts of farmland, stretching over 122,000 square kilometers and covering nearly 10% of the country. These areas include parts of Northern China, regions around the Yangtze River, the Sichuan Basins, as well as the Pearl River Delta. The fertile farmland of these areas produces ample amounts of wheat, rice, corn, and other valuable staples. Water for other farmland comes from the plentiful freshwater lakes found across the country.  Such resources are also used for fishing and leisure.

Minerals – Many valuable minerals are found in large supply across China. The country actually has the third largest deposits of the most crucial minerals, such as nickel and fluoride, in the entire world. These minerals are used in factories and other production ventures.

Salt – China produces one third of the world’s salt supply, mining over 17 million tons of salt each and every year. The state is the single largest miner of salt in the world, and its sale is a large source of income for the country.

Water – China has access to a variety of sources of water, including the Pacific Ocean, fresh and saltwater lakes, and large rivers. These create many ways for the nation to gain more wealth. Rivers, for example, are a key source of energy for the country. With hydropower, 70% of which comes from the southwest part of the country, China is able to reduce its needs for fuel imports. Fishing, tourism, and other activities along the cost provide additional funds, as do the many lakes in China.

China truly has a wealth of natural resources. Through them the nation is able to grow stronger, now to the point that it rivals any other in the world. Seeing and accepting this power is key to solid interaction with the nation, and using this to every country’s gain is needed for widespread fiscal success.