Central authorities yesterday announced the establishment of a national DNA databank to help find missing children, a move long sought by parents and activists who say the government must do more to combat a rise in child trafficking.
The databank was launched by the Ministry of Public Security, which will collect and file the DNA information, the Beijing Times reported.
The DNA tests would be free to five groups - parents whose children have been confirmed kidnapped; parents whose children go missing; abducted children who have been rescued; children who are suspected of being trafficked, and homeless or beggar children who cannot give their address.
By the end of this month, 236 DNA labs across the mainland will be available to do tests.
The ministry said the DNA bank would be a powerful tool to track down abducted children and curb rampant child trafficking.
The ministry on Wednesday also issued a wanted list of 10 major suspects involved in the abduction of women and children.
On April 9, the ministry announced a national campaign against human trafficking of women and children.