The Ministry of Agriculture has recently approved three varieties of genetically modified (GM) soybeans to be imported as processing materials.

The announcement on Thursday has immediately drawn sweeping suspicion online over the safety of GM products. Some said the people are being used as guinea pigs again, while others speculated about corruption behind the deal.

The resentment does not lack reasonable grounds. China has been plagued with food safety scandals in recent years, such as recent reports about rice containing cadmium.

Common people do not know too much about GM food. Fear and a sense of insecurity are basic instincts of people in the face of new technology.

So, should the country shut the door against GM technology?

GM technology is a new thing. To feed a growing population, humanity will have to rely on more advanced science and technology to grow more food, including developing higher-yielding crops. It will be impossible for human beings to solely rely on the mercy of nature.

In China, the top priority is to feed the 1.3 billion people and keep them warm. It is no easy task. The country will not only rely on traditional agricultural methods to produce more grain, but must also embrace the new genetic technology.

But transparent and determined development of these technologies is required. The debate about GM food has been going on for years. During each round of debate, however, the explanations from the government and scholars are not clear and give people the feeling something is being covered up.

Some experiments are carried out secretly, which raises further suspicion from ordinary people, who are likely to ask, "If there is no problem about these technologies, why not be open about it?"

Opposition against GM technology is not only strong in China, but also around the world. Opposing voices are important for more careful development and management of these technologies. But it should not become an excuse to bar the exploration of new technologies.

In recent years, some have described the import of GM foods as a "Western conspiracy," "the Third Opium War" or an attempt to "wipe out the Chinese race." These accusations may be too sensational, but there is reason for China to be careful of a technological monopoly by the developed countries.

GM technology is not mature yet. Research must be conducted openly and in accordance with the law. If the authorities are more open with the public about their determination to use these technologies to benefit everyone, they will earn respect and support sooner or later.

Related report: Imported GM soybeans safe, says government expert