SHANGHAI: A nationwide DNA databank has been launched to help authorities identify abducted children and return them to their families.

Already 32 of the nation's 236 provincial and city laboratories have access to the network, with the rest to be added this month, said the Ministry of Public Security.

Blood samples will be taken of all parents who report missing children and stored on the database, allowing scientists to test their DNA against any youngsters police rescue from abduction, find homeless or begging in the street, or suspect of being kidnapped.