China has ordered the suspension of activities involved in the genetic publishing of babies

Chinese authorities on Thursday ordered the suspension of the activities of those involved in the issue of genetic editing of twins and felt that the case was "of an extremely abominable nature" and that "it was a very bad thing. it violated Chinese laws and scientific ethics.

The genetic modification of twins, a case of which they reported the media, is a flagrant violation of Chinese laws and regulations and has crossed a red line of scientific ethics, scandalous and unacceptable, said the deputy minister. of science and technology from Xu Nanping to Xinhua.

Xu said the ministry strongly opposed this research, noting that clinical editing procedures on human embryos for reproductive purposes were explicitly prohibited in China.
The ministry ordered the corresponding units to impose the suspension.

He Jiankui, a Chinese researcher working in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, said he has modified the DNA of twins born a few weeks ago to prevent them from contracting HIV. Their statements have not been proven, but the incident has provoked a heated debate within the scientific community and social networks, as it is for the most part a decisive step forward. in the solution of diseases with high mortality rate.

The National Health Commission (CNS) of China also pronounced against the incident. Zeng Yixin, deputy director of CNS, said the illegal activities in this regard will be investigated and that inappropriate behavior will be firmly fought.

While science and technology are advancing rapidly, research and applications in this area must take on more responsibility and codes of ethics must be strictly adhered to, Zeng added.

The Chinese Association for Science and Technology (ACTCh), a research association composed mainly of researchers and scientists, said that He Jiankui's candidacy for a prize for young scientists would be disqualified because ACTCh adopts an attitude of "zero tolerance". to those who violate ethical and scientific standards.

Huai Jinpeng, leader of the party and executive vice president of the ACTCh, described the issue as "extremely abominable nature" and said that it had seriously undermined the image and interests of the Chinese scientific community.

The people and institutions involved in this case have "openly challenged the limits of ethical scientific research and desecrated the spirit of science," Huai said.
"The Chinese scientific community is committed to its original goal that science and technology must always serve humanity and maintain the healthy development of society," he said.