Undoubtedly the most controversial part of the plan will be the use of advanced biological engineering techniques to turn basic food crops white.
"Scientists have assured us that no nutritional value will be lost from the bio-engineered crops," said the Ministry spokeswoman.
One of the earliest crops to be affected will be yellow rapeseed flowers. Scientists have already completed a two year trial of bio-engineered white rapeseed and have said the new engineered crops will be used in pilot projects in Henan and Shandong provinces over the coming year.
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Normal, yellow rapeseed, and how white, bioengineered rapeseed might look.
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Chinese people are fond of bright yellow landscapes created by rapeseed flowers and there is likely to be some resistance to government plans from traditionalists. But the Rapeseed Association of China said in a statement, "Obviously we will be sorry to see the traditional yellow color go, but we believe our government and our Party have the best interests of the Chinese people at heart."
The Ministry spokeswoman admitted that some foreigners will compare the government's climate change initiative to some of the more bizarre campaigns of the China's past, such as killing off sparrows by banging drums and so on. But she insisted "This will be a peaceful and constructive initiative and a major contribution to saving the planet."
"This is not a gimmick, we are deadly serious. People should know by now that China means business."
(China.org.cn April 1, 2009)
