China's armed forces have been allegedly given a directive to choose domestic brands when purchasing military vehicles.
Aside from choosing domestic brands, the procurement of new military cars should be coordinated with a centralized system according to this circular issued by the Chinese People's Liberation Army's four headquarters-General Staff Headquarters, General Political Department, General Logistics Department, and General Armament Department.
The circular, which aims to promote frugality and the reduction of waste in the military and armed police forces, was released after it was approved by the Central Military Commission and its chairman, President Xi Jinping. The document stated that money used by the army should be strictly controlled and that budgeting processes should be reformed.
The circular further stated that a centralized system should take charge of managing income and expenses and that accounting and asset management should be improved. The document called for strict control of spending on domestic and overseas business trips. Transport, food, and accommodations should comply with regulations. The number of staff members, the duration of the trip, and the places to be visited should be cut down to the minimum.
The document likewise stressed conscientious spending in official receptions held by military units. The spending of public funds for personal banquets as well as giving or accepting money, securities, souvenirs, and other local items are prohibited.
Celebrations, forums, exhibitions, and performances will now be strictly controlled in an effort to discourage unnecessary meetings and activities. In addition, expenses to be incurred in the activities will not be allocated to military expenditure budgets, with the exception of activities arranged by the Party's Central Committee and the CMC and PLA headquarters.
The circular also called for efforts to control extravagance in military offices as well as houses allocated for officers. According to the circular, Leaders and senior-level officers should take the lead in complying with the set requirements.