China has issued 176 safety certificates for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), according to a national conference on GMO safety held here on Wednesday.

China has made remarkable achievements in GMO safety work since the implementation of regulations on rural GMO safety three years ago, said Vice Minister Zhang Baowen of Agriculture at the conference.

Since 2002, China has issued 176 GMO safety certificates involving paddy, corn, wheat, soybean and cotton, Zhang said. He said China carries out its GMO safety work "scientifically, prudently, rationally and realistically", and in accordance with international practice.

A series of strict tests are needed before the issuance of GMO safety certificates, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

During the conference, 74 experts were elected as members of a national commission on rural GMO safety.