Push for food security: China to allow gene-edited crops

Gene editing is a newer technology that is seen as less risky than GM because it does not involve adding any foreign genes to a plant

China has published trial rules for the approval of gene-edited plants, paving the way for faster improvements to crops.

The new guidelines, published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs late on Monday, come amid a raft of measures aimed at overhauling the country's seed industry, which is seen as a weak link in efforts to ensure national food security.

Beijing has also recently passed new regulations that set out a clear path for approval for genetically modified (GM) crops.

Gene editing is a newer technology that is seen as less risky than GM because it does not involve adding any foreign