China Sets Up Institute For Strategic Development Of Defense Industry

China has set up an advisory institute that carries out research for strategic development of the defense industry, China Military online reported Friday.

The State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND)’s Director Xu Dazhe said "The founding of the committee is aimed to gather opinions and advice from leaders and experts in relevant military and civilian departments and units, and get external intellectual support for the strategic development and technological innovation of China's defense industry,".

The newly established body includes various senior experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Engineering, the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance and the PLA General Armaments Department as well as universities.

SASTIND Director Xu Dazhe, who is also chairperson of the committee, said that even though China has made great progress in defense-related science, technology and industry, there is still room for improvement to meet the needs of safeguarding national security, expanding national interests.

The advisory committee was formally named as the Strategic Committee of Science, Technology and Industry Development for National Defense.