PAPERS An assessment of China’s forest resources

China’s forest resources have been and continue to be threatened. The analysis of the various reported statistics, while of-ten conflicting, does indicate significant challenges ahead for the forest to supply the material for industrial, non-industrial, fuelwood and conservation objectives. Given forecasted constraints on domestic fibre supply for at least two decades there could be a significant increase demand for logs and forest products from China’s trading partners. Overall this paper indi-cates the challenge in reaching more specific conclusions since there are serious data discrepancies in all major statistical areas. These discrepancies must be addressed before a clear set of land and sustainable development policies can be created