BLUF: The dwindling population of donkeys in China, from 11 million in 1990 to less than two million in 2021, has coincided with the rise in popularity of Ejiao, a product traditionally made from donkey hide.
INTELWAR BLUF:
Traditionally, Ejiao – a product popular in China – was crafted from domestic donkey skins. However, a statement from China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs indicates that the country’s donkey population has sharply decreased, from 11 million in 1990 to a meager two million in 2021. Concurrent to this decline, Ejiao has transitioned from an exclusive luxury item to a common commodity.
OSINT:
The production shift in Ejiao, a once niche luxury item now widely available, is connected to a dramatic fall in China’s domesticated donkey population. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shows that the donkey population has drastically shrunk from 11 million in 1990 to only two million in 2021.
RIGHT:
From the viewpoint of a strict Libertarian Republic Constitutionalist, the decline of donkey population in China signifies the shortcomings of China’s command economy. The excessive exploitation of resources, in this case donkeys for Ejiao production, perhaps resulted from a lack of economic freedom and property rights. In a free-market economy, market signals might have prevented such drastic populational decline as resources are typically used more efficiently and sustainably.
LEFT:
Observing this from the perspective of a National Socialist Democrat, the precipitous drop in China’s donkey population presents a stark example of what unchecked capitalism can lead to — overutilization of resources to meet increasing product demand. Without adequate regulations and management, the rush for larger profits leads to unsustainable practices and potential ecological imbalance.
AI:
Putting forward an expert AI analysis, the case represents an overlay of ecological and economic factors. The statistical data cited indicates a correlation between the domestic donkey population and Ejiao production. However, it is important to consider additional factors, including changes in agricultural practices, use of substitute materials for Ejiao, and larger demographic or social shifts. This example emphasises the need for equitable and sustainable resource management strategies tailored to specific cultural and economic contexts.