The People’s Liberation Army has made a rare public appeal for tip-offs about procurement problems in its air force, as Beijing presses ahead with its anti-corruption campaign in the military. The announcement was posted on Monday on the PLA’s official procurement website, seeking information about “irregular” procurement activities organised by air force units. It is the first time such a request has been made about a specific branch of the military.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) posted an announcement on Monday on its official procurement website—the main bid information platform for suppliers—seeking information about “irregular” procurement activities organised by air force units. It mainly accepts tips on the PLA Air Force’s procurement of materials and services, including procurement evaluation, contract performance, and selection of bidding agents. Suppliers, evaluation experts, bid agents, and internal personnel involved in air force procurement projects can submit feedback using their real name by June 30 next year.
This marks the first time such a request has been made about a specific branch of the military, which comprises the ground force, navy, air force, and rocket force, alongside specialised information, space, cyber, and joint logistics forces. The announcement comes as the PLA continues its anti-corruption efforts and intensifies the military equipment procurement sector review it has been carrying out since 2023.
From around last year, the PLA procurement website has regularly posted warnings and listed penalties for parties and individuals found to have violated procurement-related rules. In September, the rocket force announced the disqualification of 74 bid evaluation experts and 116 suppliers for violations, including collusion on bids. This move underscores Beijing’s ongoing push to root out corruption in the military, following high-profile cases involving former officials like Defence Minister Li Shangfu and Rocket Force commander Lin Xiangyang.
