Sustainability of water resources for agriculture considering grain production, trade and consumption in China from 2004 to 2013

China is a country with a serious water shortage. Irrigation water accounts more than 60% of total water use. With the nation’s population forecasted to peak approximately 2030, the production of food for additional people will require more water resources, which exacerbates water shortages. This paper suggests that virtual water flow among provinces should be linked to water resource management. The next step in water management should focus on water demand management, rather than increasing crop trade from the North to the South, which is governed by governmental policies and economy.