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PC's avatar

It's a shame that China, a country with a long history of soy milk consumption, finds itself developing a new tradition linked with an industry criticized for its environmental impact, animal welfare practices, and contributions to climate change.

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Sam Tang's avatar

Hi PC. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

I agree with you. There is no need for China to give up the tradition of soy milk. In fact, China is still the largest consumer of soy milk and the industry is doing well.

Unlike in some Western countries where there is resistance to cow milk, the focus in China is on finding a balance (平衡膳食). It is commonly believed in the industry that both cow's milk and soy milk can coexist on Chinese tables, rather than replacing each other. Currently, both fresh milk and soy milk are growing in popularity, with various brands entering the market.

In terms of environmental ethics, it seems that China is not contemplating the substitution of cow's milk with plant-based alternatives to tackle carbon emissions or animal welfare concerns. Instead, dairy companies are concentrating on directly addressing these problems within the cow milk production process.

Based on their public statements, Chinese dairy brands are making considerable efforts on farms to decrease emissions and enhance animal welfare.

However, it's hard for me to imagine that these companies, which excel at exploiting their employees, suddenly become friendly towards animals from the bottom of their hearts. Whether they have actually followed through on their promises still requires more observation and evidence.

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PC's avatar

Hi Sam, thanks for such a generous reply.

I think you hit the nail when you wrote that "it's hard for me to imagine that these companies, which excel at exploiting their employees, suddenly become friendly towards animals from the bottom of their hearts. Whether they have actually followed through on their promises still requires more observation and evidence."

I think you're absolutely right.

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