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After the suggestion of stockpiling necessities caused people to worry about the imminent war, the Chinese government unexpectedly sparked the enthusiasm of "doomsday preparers."

With rumors of a full-scale conflict with Taiwan that may drag the United States and its allies, panicked shoppers across the country flooded to buy food, water and life-saving equipment.

The panic was triggered by a notice from the Ministry of Commerce-apparently accidentally-advising families to stock up on food in an emergency.

This immediately sparked speculation that the government expected a shortage in the winter.

Some believe that after Beijing’s increasingly extreme threat against the United States, this means that an invasion of Taiwan is imminent.

Others are said to fear that they will fall into a severe lockdown to stop the Covid outbreak.

As online rumors fuel panic buying of groceries, supermarkets across China have seen empty shelves and long lines.

The local Jimu News reported that after some selfish preparers bought more than half a ton per bag of rice and flour, people saw shoppers scrambling to grab the last bag of rice and flour.

Torches, noodles, cooking oil, and hard biscuits—the lasting biscuits favored by survivalists—are also stored.

A supermarket manager in Changzhou said that a large group of people rushed into the door yesterday morning.

They stripped the shelves, and the checkout queue was two hours long.

Chaos also occurred in Qidong City. The rice in the store was sold out. Some people reported being robbed on the way home.

Communist Party officials are forced to call on citizens to remain calm and rest assured that there are no shortages or supply problems.

The government-owned Economic Daily warns readers not to indulge imagination for fear of invasion.

It explained that the Ministry’s recommendations are for those who may find themselves suddenly blocked by Covid measures.

Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China, accused social media users of spreading panic.

He said: "I don't think the country wants to send a signal to the public through the notice of the Ministry of Commerce at this time, that is, people need to'prepare for war quickly'."

The panic has highlighted the increasing tension on the Taiwan issue in recent months, and the Chinese media have reported extensively.

The 2 million People's Liberation Army regularly conducts invasion exercises, and Chinese warplanes invade Taiwan's airspace.

Last month, the "Global Times" made a fierce tirade on Taiwan's allies in the West, saying that war "may be triggered at any time."

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister warned that China will soon be ready for a "full-scale invasion."

Last week, the President of Taiwan admitted for the first time that US troops were on the ground to help prepare defenses.

This triggered Beijing's anger and new warnings of "punishment from the mainland."

Analysts have long warned that tensions in the region may drag the United States and other countries into World War III.

This story originally appeared in the Sun newspaper and is reprinted here with permission.