In the ongoing debate over genetically modified organisms (GMOs), Cui Yongyuan and Fang Zhouzi have taken to Weibo, exchanging sharp words and clashing viewpoints. Xiao Cui believes that Fang is stubborn and holds firmly to his own beliefs, making it hard to distinguish between their positions. This public disagreement reflects broader anxieties about genetic modification, as well as the determination of some individuals to push forward with biotech advancements.
This kind of debate has been happening in China and globally for years, but it’s not new. What’s different now is that two well-known public figures are re-entering the conversation, reigniting a long-standing controversy.
Cui Yongyuan argues that people should have the right to choose whether or not to eat GMO foods. “You can choose to eat it, I can choose not to,†he says. “You may claim to understand ‘science,’ but I have the right to question whether your understanding of science is actually scientific.†He even dares to call critics “idiots†while defending his own skepticism.
Fang Zhouzi counters by saying that while people can refuse to eat GMOs, they shouldn’t block the development of agricultural technology. He emphasizes that his science communication efforts are based on authoritative institutions worldwide. To reinforce his credibility, he mentions his background as a U.S.-trained biochemist with years of experience in science outreach.
He cites data showing that 93% of U.S. soybeans are genetically modified, with most of them imported into China. According to a 2011 study, Americans have consumed $3 trillion worth of GM food over a decade. These figures are used to support the argument that Chinese consumers should accept GMOs.
However, even in the U.S., the debate isn’t settled. Japan, a close ally, has actively promoted organic farming to limit GM products. Europe maintains strict regulations, and even the U.S., which is more accepting of GMOs, hasn’t widely adopted them in staple foods.
Compared to the West, where legal frameworks and food safety systems are more robust, China lacks a comprehensive legal structure to protect consumer rights. The cost of seeking justice is high, and basic rights like informed choice, supervision, and compensation are often ignored. Public scientific literacy remains low—only 4% of the population had basic scientific knowledge in 2012. This makes it all the more important for the government to be transparent when promoting GMOs, allowing people to make independent decisions.
Even in the U.S., concerns persist. A 2015 poll found that 64% of people were unsure about the safety of GMOs, while 21% believed them safe and 15% considered them unsafe. A majority also supported clear labeling of GM ingredients.
Adding to this complexity are frequent food safety scandals, which have eroded public trust in the government. When authorities push for GMOs, it often sparks strong public backlash. Relying on controversial figures like Fang Zhouzi to promote GMOs can seem unconvincing to many.
The scientific consensus is that there's no evidence GMOs harm human health, since their introduction in 1996. However, science is always evolving, and what’s safe today might raise ethical concerns in the future.
History offers a cautionary tale. In 1948, Paul Müller discovered DDT and won a Nobel Prize, but its widespread use led to environmental and health issues. Rachel Carson’s *Silent Spring* exposed these dangers, sparking a global environmental movement. Though she faced fierce opposition, her legacy endures as a symbol of truth and environmental protection.
Carson once wrote, “The more clearly we focus on the natural wonders and objective things in the universe, the less we try to destroy them.†Her words resonate today, reminding us that progress should not come at the expense of nature or public trust.
Controversy isn’t inherently bad—it’s part of healthy debate. No one holds absolute truth, regardless of their title or credentials. But the current GMO debate in China has gone beyond science, touching on issues of transparency, regulation, and public trust.
While some GMOs may be safe, the real challenge lies in building an institutional framework that ensures openness, accountability, and public confidence. Only then can society move forward with informed choices.
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