China Orders Stop Genetic Modification Activities of Babies

BEIJING: The Chinese Ministry of Science has ordered that people involved in the controversial baby gene editing experiment end their activities, a government official told the media on Thursday.

The ministry "strongly opposes the baby's incident for gene editing and has already asked the organization concerned to suspend the scientific activities of the staff concerned", said a ministry official, according to the CCTV public television channel.

The experiment, led by Chinese scientist He Jiankui, claims to have altered the DNA of twins born a few weeks ago to prevent them from contracting HIV.

The National Health Commission is investigating these allegations.

The experience "seriously violates" Chinese laws, regulations and ethical standards if it occurred as reported by the media, "said Zeng Yixin, vice minister of the National Health Commission, in an interview Thursday at CCTV.

Her experience has also attracted criticism from the international and national scientific community, with some denouncing it as premature and dangerous.