On
Monday, October 20, 2023, the
Chinese Ministry of State Pharmaceuticals issued
a statement on the WeChat app warning that a British NGO is recruiting famous
Chinese "volunteers" for "species research", investigating
a biodiversity partnership under cover and other scientists.
اضافة اعلان
The
Chinese ministry says the so-called" regional weapons" are being designed for specific ethnic groups and
not just anyone. Last June, American candidate
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed
that “the Chinese are dealing with racial biological causes,” and called on the
US to work on developing such technology as well.
It is unclear if any such weapons exist,
however, the announcements have heightened tensions in a growing genetic war
that is growing between the United States and China.
The "Genes War" between these two
global powers has roused based on the scientific advancements and potential
implications for global health and security. Genomic data holds the potential
to reshape intelligence operations. The ability to analyze genetic
predispositions and vulnerabilities could be exploited for intelligence
gathering, hence raising ethical concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the
potential misuse of genetic information for covert purposes.
Both the US and China have launched ambitious
genomic research initiatives, such as the US Precision Medicine Initiative and
the China Precision Medicine Initiative. These projects aim to decode the
genetic information of large populations, paving the way for personalized
medicine and disease prevention strategies.
Potential
risks and rewards
The Genes War serves as a catalyst for
biotechnological innovation, with potential dual-use applications. The same
genetic insights that fuel medical breakthroughs could be leveraged for
bioweapon development, raising concerns about unintended consequences and the
need for robust international governance to prevent the weaponization of
genetic information.
The Genes War serves as a catalyst for biotechnological innovation, with potential dual-use applications. The same genetic insights that fuel medical breakthroughs could be leveraged for bioweapon development
Furthermore, the development of CRISPR, a
technology which can be used to edit genes, has opened unprecedented
possibilities for genetic editing. Both nations are investing heavily in CRISPR
research, with scientists in China making headlines for gene-editing
experiments on human embryos.
The Genes War extends beyond healthcare, with
significant national security implications. Genetic data is considered a
valuable intelligence asset, and concerns arise about potential exploitation
for bio-weapon development or targeted bioterrorism.
The genetic information amassed through
genomic research is increasingly recognized as a strategic asset. Nations are
investing heavily in decoding their populations' genomes, aiming not only to
revolutionize healthcare but also to gain a competitive edge in biotechnology
and intelligence. The security implications of possessing extensive genomic
databases are paramount.
Safeguarding
genetic research
The ethical dimensions of genomic research are
paramount in ensuring health equity. Having ethical guidelines and frameworks
are essential to prevent the misuse of genetic data and safeguard privacy. This
helps to address concerns related to genetic discrimination, especially in
vulnerable populations.
To mitigate the potential negative impacts on
health equity, the international community must prioritize collaborative
efforts in genomic research. Initiatives that promote knowledge-sharing,
technology transfer, and capacity-building can empower developing nations to
participate meaningfully in the Genes War and share in the benefits of genetic
advancements. The ethical dimensions of genomic research in the context of
national security are paramount. Striking a balance between scientific progress
and ethical considerations requires international collaboration and governance
frameworks.
To mitigate the potential negative impacts on health equity, the international community must prioritize collaborative efforts in genomic research.
Organizations such as the World Health
Organization (WHO) and UNESCO should play a pivotal role in establishing global
norms for genomic research. Their standards emphasize the importance of
international cooperation in creating a regulatory framework that ensures the
responsible and equitable use of genomic technologies.
The Genes War is not confined to laboratories;
it reverberates across the global geopolitical landscape. The competition for
genomic dominance influences diplomatic relations, alliances, and global power
structures, adding a new layer of complexity to international affairs.
Balancing international collaboration with
enhanced scrutiny is crucial, ensuring that scientific pursuits align with
ecological preservation and national security imperatives. This cautionary
stance reflects a broader global trend where nations grapple with how to secure
valuable ecological data in an era of heightened geopolitical complexity.
Dr.
Hamza Alakaleek is a Corporate lawyer and tax consultant with post-graduate
degrees in international political economy, international business law, and law
and technology with a focus on internet of things, artificial intelligence and
data protection.
Disclaimer:
Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Jordan News' point of view.
Read more Opinion and Analysis
Jordan News
