In a significant move to bolster national defense, Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has signed an order introducing a fresh set of regulations on protecting China's important military-industrial facilities.
Jointly issued by China's State Council and the CMC, and endorsed by the Chinese premier Li Qiang, the decree lays out security measures for buildings, sites, and other installations involved in researching, producing, testing, and storing key weaponry and equipment.
On the Chinese mainland, protection zones will be established around these critical sites. Unauthorized entry by individuals, vehicles, or vessels will be strictly prohibited, and activities such as photography, video or audio recording, sketching, and documentation of these areas are banned.
The regulations cover a broad range of infrastructure, including archives and data centers, communication and observation stations, specialized ports and docks, airports, and dedicated railway lines. Violations may trigger criminal penalties, underscoring the government's commitment to safeguarding strategic assets.
Spanning 51 articles across seven chapters, the rules also require that the protection of military-industrial facilities be integrated into local and regional socio-economic planning, reflecting a holistic approach to defense modernization.
The new regulations will take effect on September 15, 2025, marking a key step in China's ongoing effort to ensure the security and effective operation of its defense industry as it advances into the next decade.
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Xi Jinping signs order on protection of military-industrial facilities
cgtn.com
