China's Ministry of Public Security on Wednesday launched a national DNA databank to track and trace parents and children who are the victims of abduction.

A ministry official said DNA tests would be conducted on five groups:

-- parents whose children are confirmed kidnapped;

-- parents whose children are lost and who have demanded a DNA test;

-- abducted children who have been rescued;

-- children who are suspected of being abducted or cannot give their homes;

-- and homeless or beggar children who cannot give their homes.

The ministry has ordered all police units to record and investigate immediately reports of child abduction, and to take blood from the parents or children where possible. The tests will be done free of charge.

A DNA test is regarded as one of the best ways to identify abducted children, according to the ministry.

Early this month, the ministry launched its sixth nationwide campaign to deal with the rampant smuggling of women and children.

About 3,000 child and women abduction cases are recorded and investigated by Chinese authorities annually, but some experts estimate that 10,000 to 20,000 Chinese women or children fall into the hands of kidnappers each year.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2009)