Chinese govt asks military to purchase domestic brand vehicles

The Chinese government has directed its armed forces to choose domestic brand cars while procuring military vehicles as part of its austerity drive.
Purchase of new military cars should be arranged within a centralised system and vehicles should be selected from domestic brands, said a circular issued by the four headquarters of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) -- General Staff Headquarters, General Political Department, General Logistics Department and General Armament Department.
The document, aimed to promote frugality and oppose waste among military and armed police forces, was issued after approval of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and CMC Chairman Xi Jinping, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The document said money used by the army should be strictly regulated and the budgeting process should be improved. Incomes and expenses should be managed by a centralised system and reforms are needed in accounting and asset management processes.
Spending on domestic and overseas business trips should also be strictly controlled, it said.
The number of staff members on trips, as well as days needed and places to visit should be limited to the necessary minimum level.

Transport, food and accommodation during the trips should follow regulations, it added.
Also, the document stressed frugality in official receptions among military units.

Personal banquets financed with public funds as well as giving or accepting money, securities, souvenirs and local products are not allowed.
As part of efforts to cut unnecessary meetings and activities, the circular said celebrations, forums, exhibitions and performances should be strictly controlled.
Costs on such activities will not be earmarked in military expenditure budgets, except on those arranged by the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the CMC and the army headquarters, it said.
It urged efforts to rein in extravagances in military offices and the repeated allocation of houses for officers.
The document said that supervision by CPC committees, disciplinary authorities, inspectors and the public should be employed to rule out extravagance in the army.

Soon after taking over as Chief of Military last year, President Xi had banned lavish dinners by the military.