Invasion of the fire ants calls for vigilance

The news of fire ants, an invasive species, being found in 12 Chinese provinces prompted the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to call a special meeting recently to coordinate prevention and control measures.

The ministry asked relevant agencies to conduct a survey to make a list of invasive species, including fire ants, and propose in detail ways to control their spread.

More and more people are getting to know about fire ants and other invasive species, and the harm they cause.

However, the Biological Security Law that came into effect on April 15 will help boost China's biological security. It has already listed the major biological risks China faces, and established norms to overcome them.

Biosecurity is an important part of national security as well as an important part of non-traditional security fields. The new law details the main biosafety risks, and regulates them in a targeted manner. This includes measures aimed at protecting the country's biodiversity by preventing the invasion of alien species.

Besides, a permission clause on which animal and plant products can be imported has been introduced in the law. The law defines procedures for the transportation of goods and passengers and specific penalties for those breaking the law.

For example, the State Council's technological management departments are now empowered to impose penalties on any entity transferring China's genetic resources overseas.

And individuals importing, releasing or discarding foreign species without permission also face penalties. The Criminal Law has also added responsive crimes in its latest amendment, and those committing such crimes face criminal penalties.

Online traders often sell fire ants as pets. Consumers should be aware that the law forbids the buying and selling of invasive species because of the harm they can do to the environment and biodiversity.