Asia Society Policy Institute has published a paper entitled China’s Genetically Modified Dilemma. This piece, authored by ASPI Australia Research Associate Genevieve Donnellon-May, explores the implications of the Peoples Republic of China’s (PRC) Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) decision to approve 27 genetically modified (GM) corn varieties and 14 GM soybean varieties in December of 2023.
“The PRC’s decision to introduce GM seed cultivation and commercialization is part of a broader effort to increase domestic food production and thereby reduce reliance on regional markets,” writes Donnellon-May.
Introducing GMs to increase domestic agricultural output has been met with some opposition from Chinese nationals. “Consumers have long been highly skeptical about eating GM food due to concerns that it causes serious illnesses in humans,” says the report, noting that the “Western roots” of GM crops is one of the reasons for public suspicion. “Having acknowledged the need for better public understanding of biotechnology, Beijing is using state and social media as part of the public relations drive to dispel skepticism.”
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[Editor’s note: Read the full report here]
