China to set military zones for defense industries

A Chinese paramilitary policeman takes aim during a training in East China's Jiangsu province in this Sept 28, 2012 file photo. [Photo by Li Ke/Asianewsphoto]

BEIJING - China is considering protecting its defense-related scientific, technological and industrial facilities as military zones, according to a People's Liberation Army (PLA) officer.

Some key organizations will be zoned as forbidden military areas or restricted military areas, said Ma Yifei, bureau director of the PLA's Headquarters of the General Staff, on Wednesday.

National defense organizations related to science, technology and industry have a direct bearing on the country's national security and defense strengths and, thus, require good security, confidentiality, air exclusion and electromagnetic environment conditions, Ma said.

However, such organizations are off-limits to the protection of military installations under current law and regulations, and many of them face a complicated surrounding environment, Ma said, adding that such situations have resulted in some information leaks and undermined the efficiency of these facilities.