China launched official website for military weapons procurement

China on 4 January 2015 launched an official military weapons procurement website www.weain.mil.cn to guarantee transparency in arms procurement.

The website will be operated by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of General Armament Department of China. It aims to break down barriers for private companies seeking to enter the market.

Highlights of the website
• The website www.weain.mil.cn provides information on the country's weapon and armament needs, relevant policies, procurement notices, enterprise lists and technology.
• Around 350 items that can be procured have been listed on the website.
• The procurement information will be released on the website on the first working day of every January and July.
• Private enterprises, military procurement departments, and military industry groups and personnel can register on the website.

Background
The website was launched amidst the huge outrage on some of the top PLA officials who are accused of indulging in corruption in the procurement of supplies.

Several top PLA officials including General Xu Caihou and the overall supervisory authority over the military under previous President Hu Jintao faced anti-corruption probes in the extensive anti-graft campaign launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping.