Chinese premier says he supports developing transgenic engineering

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao expressed his support for developing transgenic engineering, in a two-hour interview with Bruce Alberts, editor-in-chief of the Science Magazine of the United States on Sept. 30.

In the exclusive interview at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound, Wen said his support of the transgenic engineering was further strengthened by the recent global food shortage.

When China didn't have the transgenic technology in cotton plants 10 years ago, the cotton bollworms would not die even when immersed in pesticides. Wen said," Since we began transgenic engineering of cotton, the plants not only increased their ability to resist bollworms but also increased yield."

"Therefore, I strongly advocate making great efforts to pursue transgenic engineering. The recent food shortages around the world have further strengthened my belief ," said Wen.

Responding Alberts' words on some European states' objection to developing transgenic crops, Wen said if transgenic science was mixed with trade barriers," that would block the development of science".

Source: Xinhua