HOMEMADE AIRCRAFT: In a designer's sketch, China's self-developed amphibious aircraft AG600 takes to the skies. The first major part of AG600, the fuselage mid-section, was completed at the Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC) Xi'an Aircraft Industry Co. in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, on December 29, 2014. The AG600, a multi-use amphibious aircraft, is expected to be used for forest firefighting and marine rescue missions (LI HUA)

China will offer more support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to bring lawsuits against those who commit environmental violations, according to a judicial interpretation issued on January 6 by the Supreme People's Court (SPC).

The SPC, together with the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) and the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), also issued a circular to guarantee such litigation.

According to the judicial interpretation, which came into effect on January 7, an NGO that protects the public interest and carries out environmental protection activities qualifies for recognition as an "environmental protection NGO."

As of late September 2014, China had more than 700 environmental protection NGOs.

The judicial interpretation said that court charges should be reduced in public non-profit environmental litigation and shall be paid by the defendant if the plaintiff wins the lawsuit.

Environmental protection NGOs can also sue violators across the country, regardless of their registration region, said the judicial interpretation.

Military Website

A website on military weapons procurement was officially launched on January 4.

Under the General Armament Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Weain.mil.cn provides information on the country's weapon and armament needs, relevant policies, procurement notices, enterprise lists and technology.

Private enterprises, military armament-purchasing departments and military industry groups as well as personnel can register on the website for consultation and further information.

According to the PLA General Armament Department, the new platform was established to cement military and civilian integration and aims to accelerate steps in armament procurement system reform, break procurement barriers, improve competitiveness and promote efficiency.

Since 2014, a series of policies have been issued to improve military and civilian integration, market access, information exchange, supervision, and security.

In May 2014, the first military and civilian integration forum released around 200 items on weapons procurement, which attracted more than 100 private enterprises and led to the signing of scores of cooperation agreements.