More than a decade ago, China first approved commercial production of insect-resistant transgenic cotton pest and papaya resistant to the ring spot virus. But while many of the world's leading crop-producing countries have been busy since the turn of the century, allowing companies to grow genetically modified seeds and crops, China's top policymakers have resonated.

China's plans to allow the marketing of GM crops have finally taken a step forward this year. In January, the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs revised a set of rules for seed producers to apply for gm crop approval. For years, the absence of such regulation has made the marketing process difficult.

Recent planting pilot projects, as well as updated policies on seeds and biotechnology, have focused on pest-resistant and herbicide-tolerant corn and soybean varieties designed to combat cartridge caterpillar (an invasive agricultural pest) and weeds in agricultural production.

GM agriculture will also serve a greater purpose for China. Technology has become, in the eyes of the government, an important tool to increase agricultural production and reduce costs. With key leaders committed to developing the country's food self-sufficiency, the scientific revitalization of the seed industry is seen as a way to alleviate food security concerns amid rising domestic demand and uncertainties caused by the international climate left China isolated.