The truth is out there somewhere

A public debate on the safety of genetically modified food between two Chinese celebrities has turned into a drama set in three countries.

Arguably the fiercest fight in China for the past five months has been between a television personality and a science writer. The topic, however, is not trivial, but concerns public acceptance of genetically modified food.

Cui Yongyuan made his name as host of the wildly popular talk show, Tell It Like It Is. Though the show was discontinued long ago, his reputation as a no-nonsense presenter who dares to confront people in power with frankness - sometimes couched in humor - is firmly established. Amid bouquets of bombastic officialese, Cui's remarks often sound as refreshing as common sense.