Research on genetically modified organisms, which are derived from modern technology, should be encouraged but the general use of such organisms should be restrained and adopted according to circumstances, said Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin at the 2002 annual meeting of the China Development Forum.

"The Ministry of Agriculture always has taken active measures to popularize genetically modified cottons and flowers. As for modified food crops such as soybeans -- although we offer great support for research, we still are strict and restrained about their general use. Modified food could have an impact on consumers' benefit and sustainable development," Du Qinglin said.

To strengthen the management of genetically modified organisms, the State Council issued last May the Regulations on Safety Management of Agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms. Subsequently, the Ministry of Agriculture issued three regulations -- on safety, import and labeling of agricultural genetically modified organisms -- that took effect on March 20.

(中新社 [China News Agency]; translated by Zhang Hui for china.org.cn, April 10, 2002)