China's Defense Ministry Goes Online

China’s normally secretive Ministry of Defense launched its first Web site for trial operation on Thursday, in Chinese and English versions, as part of an effort to promote the transparency and improve perceptions of the world’s largest military force.

In an introductory announcement, the site says it aims to provide “authoritative information of China’s national defense and army building” and “display before the world the fine image of the PLA as a mighty, civilized and peaceful force.”

The site provides a variety of official information on the activities of the Chinese military, such as press briefings, and reports on military exercises, military exchanges and peacekeeping operations.

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