Chinese weapon factories will soon also be cranking out consumer goods, such as motorcycles, cameras and air conditioners, according to the nation`s press. Minister of Ordnance Zou Jiahua called the move a ”long-term policy of strategic importance,” according to the official China Daily newspaper. Zou, who issued the order, said the combined production of weapons and civilian goods–called the ”walking on two legs” policy–would be implemented in all state-run arms factories within five years, regardless of how heavy a plant`s military commitment might be. The plan is part of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping`s strategy to modernize agriculture, industry, science and technology. Deng also has ordered a 25-percent cut in the People`s Liberation Army, now 4 million strong. Some of the factories already make civilian goods, as part of a plan to streamline the military and to help meet the booming demand for light consumer goods in the world`s most populous country.
