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Earlier this week, scientists in China claimed they produced the world's first genetically edited babies. While many assumed the work was legal in China, the Chinese government begs to differ. Xu Nanping, the vice-minister for science and technology, reportedly told CCTV that the researchers "blatantly violated China's relevant laws and regulations." While some meaning is certainly lost in translation, the report seems quite unequivocal, claiming that the "clinical operation of genetic editing for human embryos is strictly prohibited in our country." The rest of the Google translated release is below, and it sounds like the scientists are in legal hot water.
It is shocking and unacceptable. We are resolutely opposed. The Ministry of Science and Technology has requested the relevant units to suspend the scientific and technological activities of the relevant personnel. The next step of the Ministry of Science and Technology will, on the basis of comprehensive and objective investigation of the incidents, and the relevant departments to investigate and deal with them according to laws and regulations.
It is shocking and unacceptable. We are resolutely opposed. The Ministry of Science and Technology has requested the relevant units to suspend the scientific and technological activities of the relevant personnel. The next step of the Ministry of Science and Technology will, on the basis of comprehensive and objective investigation of the incidents, and the relevant departments to investigate and deal with them according to laws and regulations.