Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, June 18 — (Reporter Wang Meng, Zhang Zhilong) Every time the topic of genetically modified (GM) organisms comes up, it stirs public concern. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China approved three GM soybean import safety certificates, reigniting widespread debate and public attention.
The controversy surrounding GM technology is not new. According to interviews with experts, academic discussions on genetic modification have been ongoing for years, with clear divisions between supporters and opponents. While the Chinese government has maintained a strict ban on the cultivation of GM crops, it has gradually started approving GM products for food and feed processing, similar to the U.S., EU, and Japan.
Dong Yingshan, a member of the National Team of Genetically Modified Technology Experts and Deputy Dean of the Jilin Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences, explained that GM technology involves using biotechnology to isolate a gene from one organism and insert it into another, thereby introducing specific traits. Unlike traditional hybridization, which is limited to species within the same family, GM allows genes to be transferred across completely different species. For example, insect-resistant transgenic plants can incorporate the “BT gene†originally found in bacteria, enabling the plant to produce its own insecticide.
In 2011, the most intense domestic GM controversy occurred when reports emerged about the illegal cultivation of GM crops and the widely known corn variety “Xiyu 335†in the northeast. Some media even claimed that GM corn caused mice to go extinct, sows to abort, and stillbirths. However, no scientific evidence directly linked these events to genetic modification. Some individuals and groups used misleading slogans such as “GM foods harm future generations†to oppose the development of GM technology.
Experts note that while many countries, including the U.S., Europe, and Japan, have long approved GM soybeans, debates over their safety persist globally. The issue remains complex and sensitive.
Despite the controversy, large-scale planting of GM crops is not common in China. In response to reports of illegal GM crop cultivation, joint investigation teams have conducted multiple checks in affected areas. Dong Yingshan clarified that what was labeled as “illegal planting†in the northeast was actually experimental planting by local agricultural departments, not large-scale production.
Some experts argue that these reports lack solid evidence, and the main reason for public sensitivity is the lack of timely disclosure of GM research information. In fact, China began approving GM soybean imports in 2004, and genetically modified soybeans from companies like Monsanto, Pioneer, and DuPont have continued to enter the country, eventually reaching consumers through soybean oil.
According to ISAAA data, in 2012, around 81% of global soybean production was genetically modified, pushing traditionally grown soybeans to the margins worldwide.
The question remains: are GM crops being unfairly criticized? Wang Zhihua, a senior soybean expert from Heilongjiang, pointed out that the planting area of soybeans in the region has decreased significantly due to low income and policy adjustments. For instance, in 2012, an acre of corn could generate about 1,050 yuan, while the same land planted with soybeans would only yield around 600 yuan, making it less economically attractive.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics and General Administration of Customs show that in 2012, domestic soybean production was approximately 13 million tons, while imports reached about 60 million tons, accounting for 80% of total consumption. Even under protective policies, local soybean production continues to shrink.
Liu Qi, a resident of Changchun, noted that while he often sees labels stating “Northeast soybeans†on supermarket soybean oil, the product now commonly carries labels indicating it is made from genetically modified soybeans. “As a regular citizen, I want to know exactly what GM means and how it affects health,†Liu said. “What matters most is whether the food we eat is safe, not where it comes from or how it’s produced.â€
Some unnamed agricultural experts suggested that if GM soybean imports are allowed but domestic cultivation is restricted, people might suspect that GM soybeans are harmless, while their cultivation could be dangerous.
During the interview, it became clear that the Chinese government maintains a cautious stance toward the commercial planting of GM food crops. While the Ministry of Agriculture promotes GM technology through dedicated sections on its website and highlights its benefits, it also emphasizes that no GM food crops have been approved for commercial cultivation and that the process remains highly regulated.
Experts agree that there is room for improvement in both the research and approval processes of GM technology, particularly in ensuring transparency and the public's right to information. As one expert told reporters, “You have to explain clearly what GM is and why it’s being used.â€
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