Since the birth of cloning technology, people have been facing it with a mix of anticipation and

concern. Whether or not clones should exist has sparked discussions among the public, dividing
them into different camps. This topic has now entered the United Nations, and China has made
its stance clear. But behind this clarity lies something we are still concerned about.

Now, let's connect with Wang Dong, Deputy Head of the Chinese Delegation to the International
Committee on the Prohibition of Reproductive Cloning, who has just attended the meeting.
Sitting beside him is Li Lingsong, a stem cell research expert and consultant to the Chinese
delegation. Our third guest is Professor Ren Wuguo from Peking University's Center for Applied
Ethics. A few years ago, his book "The Journey of Science" became a bestseller, leaving a deep
impression on many people.

Wang, why did China take such a clear stance against reproductive cloning this time?

Wang: China has always had a consistent position on cloning technology. Reproductive cloning
poses a significant threat to humanity in terms of ethics, morality, and various legal factors.
Therefore, China firmly opposes any experiments involving reproductive cloning.

Host: You mentioned the four "no's" earlier, and they left a strong impression. The first three are
understandable, but what does "not accepting" mean?

Wang: It's a technical issue. I believe Professor Li can explain it.

Li: "Not accepting" means if some people insist on conducting experiments despite knowing it's
wrong, as a government or regulatory body, how can we punish such behavior? That's what "not
accepting" implies, in my understanding.

Host: Professor Ren, although you weren't part of the delegation to the UN conference, would
you raise your hand in favor of banning reproductive cloning for humans?

Ren: I highly appreciate our government's wise move and attitude. This reflects the dignity and
stance of our great nation. Human reproduction is sacred, and advancements in reproductive
technology could alter our ethical and legal dynamics, leading to serious consequences.

Host: Can you give us a specific example of what you're genuinely concerned about if clones were
to appear?

Ren: Clones may not achieve perfect results immediately. There will be many trial and error
processes, and the outcome might be defective products. This not only disregards human
interests but also raises questions about the clone's well-being, societal integration, legal status,
and inheritance issues.

Host: Wang, while Professor Ren raised many concerns, what are we truly worried about as a
government delegation?
Wang: Professor Ren covered most of our concerns comprehensively. It's not just China; most
countries at the conference share similar views. Therefore, the consensus reached on banning
reproductive cloning reflects the seriousness of this issue.

Host: Wang, the Chinese government delegation also expressed another stance at the
conference, firmly opposing reproductive cloning but not opposing therapeutic cloning. Why this
distinction, especially when some countries oppose all forms of cloning?

Wang: Therapeutic cloning, for disease prevention and human development, is beneficial.
However, all cloning research should adhere to internationally recognized guidelines and undergo
strict scrutiny and monitoring, as per our government's stance.

Host: Professor Li, many of our viewers, including myself, are eager to understand why many
countries oppose even therapeutic cloning. What are their concerns?

Li: Many opposing countries have fundamental objections to using embryonic stem cells,
believing that extracting stem cells from embryos equates to killing a new life. However, this
viewpoint is contentious. Cultural backgrounds and historical contexts vary among nations,
leading to different perceptions of personhood. At the conference, most countries agreed that
embryos are not equivalent to human beings. Therefore, using embryos for research and health
benefits is considered acceptable.

Host: Professor Ren, what's your stance on this? Do you worry about lax oversight leading to
reproductive cloning despite bans, particularly in medical contexts?

Ren: My view is twofold. On one hand, I understand our government's stance. Embryonic stem
cell research indeed holds significant medical potential. China doesn't oppose it, aligning with our
cultural traditions.

Host: There's a significant cultural difference here in terms of when people believe life begins.

Ren: Yes. Secondly, regardless of the debate about whether embryos are considered human,
caution must be exercised in the development of therapeutic cloning technology.

Host: Professor Li, after discussing reproductive cloning for a while, you're now going to give us
an answer. How far are we from the birth of a clone under current technological conditions, if left
unrestricted?

Li: Many people have asked me this question. I can only say that the techniques and methods
used for reproductive cloning are very similar to those used for cloning Dolly the sheep. Whether
we can successfully clone humans is hard to determine. The outcome depends on the specific
technological differences, as animals and humans differ.
Host: Your answer implies that we'll only know how far we are from cloning humans when it
actually happens. Perhaps then, the motivation to act might arise.

Li: Yes, we can't conduct the same experiments on humans as we do on animals.

Host: However, we haven't reached a consensus on the extent of technological development.

Li: Right, current technology hasn't achieved success. All we can do is approach it scientifically
and avoid blind pursuit.

Host: I'd like to add that the United Nations General Assembly decided to include the issue of
banning reproductive cloning in its agenda precisely because most countries recognize the
urgency of the matter. That is, the imminent possibility of human cloning in the near future
prompted the UN to convene a special committee to draft an international treaty on reproductive
cloning.

Host: Wang, once this treaty is fully discussed and implemented, do you feel optimistic about its
effectiveness and deterrent power? Will it prevent the occurrence of human cloning?

Wang: The effectiveness of this treaty and its impact on preventing reproductive cloning will
depend on the specifics outlined in the treaty. This includes how countries enforce it and the
penalties for engaging in reproductive cloning. I believe that if future international treaties
comprehensively reflect the views of all countries and include specific enforcement provisions,
then the treaty will be effective in banning reproductive cloning.

Host: Wang, once this treaty is fully discussed and implemented, do you feel optimistic about its
effectiveness and deterrent power? Will it prevent the occurrence of human cloning?

Wang: The effectiveness of this treaty and its impact on preventing reproductive cloning will
depend on the specifics outlined in the treaty. This includes how countries enforce it and the
penalties for engaging in reproductive cloning. I believe that if future international treaties
comprehensively reflect the views of all countries and include specific enforcement provisions,
then the treaty will be effective in banning reproductive cloning.

Host: Professor Ren, as a scholar who has been concerned about this issue for years, what would
you like to say to scientists worldwide who are conducting human cloning research, whether with
benevolent intentions, curiosity, or undisclosed motives?

Ren: Beware of consequences and punishment. Do not attempt to play with fire. Secondly, we
must prepare ourselves. I believe there will be attempts to breach this treaty. We must consider
what to do if such breaches occur.

Host: Thank you very much to our three guests for joining us, especially to the two guests from
New York. You've not only provided a clear explanation of China's stance at the United Nations
conference but also offered insightful and engaging explanations for our viewers. Thank you very
much.