Debate on genetically modified staple food became a hot issue in China in 2010.Based on the benefits of subjects taking part in this debate,this paper analyzes the causes,the essence and the imapct of such debate and points out that among those complicated reasons leading to this debate,the main reasons are that people maintain some original traditions,lifestyles and moral standard,two parties in the debate have different values and beneficial tendency,people worry about potential risks of food and ecological safety of genetically modified crops or food and media hype up the news about the commercialization of genetically modified rice.The essence of this debate is the game process on benefits,power and resources.The debate is objectively important to spread new knowledge,change values,perfect supervisory system and promote development of technology。