China's Weather Modification Office?

FoxNews has a "back page" story about a Chinese Snowstorm, with very little concern other than a slight mention of "debate" over weather manipulation:

"Chinese scientists have artificially induced the second major snowstorm to wreak havoc in Beijing this season, state media said today, reigniting debate over the practice of tinkering with Mother Nature.

After the earliest snow to hit the capital in 22 years fell on November 1, the capital was again shrouded in white yesterday with more snow expected in the coming three days, the National Meteorological Centre said.

The China Daily, citing an unnamed official, said the Beijing Weather Modification Office had artificially induced both storms by seeding clouds with chemicals, a practice that can increase precipitation by up to 20 per cent."

Did I miss something? Is it old news to anyone that China has a Weather Modification Department and that they are actively manipulating the Weather paterns over China (and who knows where else)?

What are the regional or global impacts of this manipulation? What effects do these "chemicals" have on the environment, the ecosystems, or humanity? If you catch a "chemical snowflake" on your tongue, what exactly are you injesting?

I seem to find that the story should be more on the fact that China has the capability to manipulate weather patterns, and less on the grumpy Chinese citizens stuck in the snow!