Page 162 - 《国际安全研究》2020年第4期

Journal of International Security Studies
of biosecurity. A new round of biotechnological advances and the ensuing
biosecurity issues have gradually infiltrated into the security conceptions of human
beings and directly tied to the endogenous crises or challenges faced by modern
civilization. To comprehensively upgrade and optimize the biosecurity capabilities
and governance is not only a strategic choice for countries all around the world but
also a new exploration effort made not only in the scientific and technological field
but also on the political arena.
[Keywords] biotechnology revolution, biosecurity hazard forms, national security,
security governance
[Author] WANG Xiaoli, Associate Research Fellow, Institute Pasteur Shanghai,
Chinese Academy of Sciences; Honorary Research Fellow, Techxcope Think Tank
(Shanghai, 200031).

136 Security Threats Associated with the Cutting-edge Biotechnology:
Responses and Prospects
XUE Yang and YU Hanzhi

[Abstract] The cutting-edge biotechnology represented by gene editing, gene drive
and synthetic biology is developing rapidly. It acts as a double-edged sword,
bringing benefits to human development in many fields such as medical treatment
and agriculture while posing serious threats to national security and global
biosecurity. Against this backdrop, world powers need to pay special attention to
those common problems while handling the security threats associated with the
cutting-edge biotechnology. First, it is difficult to coordinate the dual goals of
promoting technological development and safeguarding technological security.
Second, evolution of the legal system lags well behind the unknown technological
security threats. Third, there exists a dilemma between the regulatory demand for
multi-sector cooperation and the division of authority. Fourth, the democratic review
mechanism engaged by interested parties needs to be further strengthened. Since
China’s cutting-edge biotechnology is at the critical development stage with a shift
from “running behind others” to “running side by side with others” and even “being
a pace setter” in some fields, it is imperative for China to make timely adjustments
in its efforts to promote and, at the same time, regulate the cutting-edge
biotechnology. A proper assessment of the latest development of science and
technology should be made and a meaningful forward-looking plan should be
developed on the basis of the assessment. Guided by the forthcoming National
Biosecurity Law, the institutional mechanisms regarding biotechnological security
will be strengthened and the relevant legal system will be improved as well. Under
the leading role of the government, interested parties from all walks of life will
actively participate in this undertaking. Only in this way can the cutting-edge
biotechnology be geared to bringing more benefits to the public.
[Keywords] gene editing, gene drive, synthetic biotechnology, biotechnology
security, biological weapons, bioterrorism, security of biological laboratory
[Authors] XUE Yang, Associate Professor of Law School, Tianjin University;
Research Fellow, Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy of Tianjin University
(Tianjin, 300072); YU Hanzhi, Research Fellow, Doctoral Supervisor and Professor,
Public Affairs School, Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, 310058).
（本期英文编辑：张国帅 高静）

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