China proposes global code of conduct on biosecurity, amid coronavirus ‘lab leak’ row with US
- ‘Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines’ aim to prevent misuse of bioscience research and promote the responsible development of biotechnology
- Introducing the initiative in Geneva, China’s disarmament affairs envoy highlighted the potential risks and threats of biotechnology development
The Tianjin Biosecurity Guidelines for Codes of Conduct for Scientists was introduced by a senior Chinese diplomat at a symposium under the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in Geneva last Thursday.
Named after north China’s Tianjin municipality, the initiative is the product of a multilateral effort led by China and Pakistan. It was finalised in July after dozens of rounds of discussions involving scientists from more than 20 countries, including those at Tianjin University, Johns Hopkins University in the US and the Secretariat of the InterAcademy Partnership.
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Its aim is to “prevent misuse of bioscience research without hindering beneficial outcomes”, in accordance with the articles and norms of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.
Measures should be taken to prevent the misuse and negative impact of biological products, data, expertise, or equipment, the guidelines read.
Introducing the initiative, China’s ambassador for disarmament affairs, Li Song, said the rapid development of biotechnology had not only given people new technical means to understand and transform the world but it also “brings potential biosecurity risks and threats”.