China to crack down on illegal gun possession

Beijing, Feb 10 (IANS) The Chinese government will soon launch a nationwide crackdown on illegal possession of guns and explosives following a recent spate of armed robberies.

The government "will concentrate on tackling crimes involving serious violence" to strengthen security in cities and maintain social order, said Huang Ming, deputy minister of public security.

A series of armed robberies have taken place across the country, including in Nanjing, Shenyang and Huizhou and Guangdong provinces.

The latest incident took place this week, when a hotel boss was kidnapped at gunpoint in Hunan province. He was eventually rescued by police.

The minister said that in the crackdown, police will investigate gun or explosives-related cases, seize illegal weapons, arrest suspects and destroy networks and dens where explosives are illegally manufactured.

According to China's firearms regulations, individuals or institutions which manufacture, transport, own, rent or sells firearms and ammunition are outlawed.