China Says Ratifies GMO Transparency Treaty


Reuters, 20 May 2005

BEIJING - China, one of the world''s  largest importers of GMO crops, said on 
Thursday it has ratified a UN treaty the  US has spurned that aims for more 
transparency and control over trade in  genetically modified foods.

China''s ratification of the UN''s Cartagena  Protocol could give a boost to 
the agreement, which has been signed by more than  100 countries but not the 
United States, the world''s GMO giant.

The next  meeting to negotiate the protocol''s implementation and enforcement 
is set for  Montreal in late May and early June.

China''s State Council, the cabinet,  ratified the Protocol on April 27, an 
official at the State Environmental  Protection Administration of China said.

The protocol obliges exporters  to provide more information on GMO products 
like maize and soybeans before any  shipment to recipient countries, to help 
them decide whether to accept  it.

Crucially, it lets a nation reject GMO imports or donations, even  without 
scientific proof if it fears they pose a danger to traditional crops or  
undermine local cultures.

"It (ratification) indicates China''s promise  in implementing international 
treaties and in strengthening its biosafety  management. The invasion of 
imported species is posing a threat to varieties at  home and the country has an 
urgent need to step up management," the State  Environmental Protection Agency 
said:

Environmental campaigners, who fear  the impact of GMO crops on biodiversity 
and health, while manufacturers claim  they pose no risk, applauded China''s 
move.

"China is sending a strong  message to the world that it is no dumping ground 
for GM crops. China''s  ratification will add immense weight to the 
protocol," Greenpeace Campaigner Sze  Pang Cheung said in a statement.

The ratification comes into force 90  days from the date of signing, the 
official said.

China is the world''s  largest soybean importer with 2004 imports amounting 
to 20.2 million tonnes, of  which Greenpeace says more than 70 percent is 
thought to be genetically  modified.

Greenpeace warns that could pose a threat to the biodiversity  of soybean in 
China.

China is also the world''s largest GMO cotton  grower.

Under the protocol, nations may reject GMO imports or donations,  even 
without scientific proof, if they fear they pose a danger to traditional  crops, 
undermine local cultures or cut the value of biodiversity to indigenous  
communities.