As complex as the world trading system has become, it still fundamentally relies on something as simple as trust — that nations and people will be as good as their word.
Unfortunately, we are now faced with more evidence that China has yet to fully embrace this concept.
Until recently, that fact had not prevented the Chinese from importing tens of thousands of tons of genetically modified Viptera corn, which by the nature of the distribution process is, practically speaking, inseparable from other corn. Suddenly in November, however, the Chinese started turning away corn shipments in which the trait was detected.
One thing is for certain: The issue is not GMOs or supposed concerns about their safety. Almost all the corn China imports from the U.S. is genetically modified in one way or another, and even while turning away ships with U.S. corn, China continues to accept shipments with the Viptera trait from Argentina.
Related on the SLP
Read the full, original article: Another View: U.S. corn and China’s bad faith collide
Additional Resources:
- “China’s economic reasons for rejecting GM corn,” Farmer’s Daughter (blog)
- “China continues to block GM corn from U.S.,” Reuters
- “China vows ‘active, cautious’ GMO food stance,” China Radio International
