ABSTRACT
Starting with the Maoist period, this chapter focuses on the CDIC's bureaucratic characteristics created in its early years, the preferences and patterns of operation that took shape, and the administrative considerations consequently introduced into the procurement decision-making process. It then explores the CDIC's modernization efforts throughout the post-Maoist period, showing the sort of arms supplier it proved to be for the PLA, and the kind of clientsupplier relations that formed. The strategic weapons project retained its unique position as it was still managed by a separate ministry, its name now changed to Second Ministry of Machine Building (MMB-II). In 1960, when China began to rehabilitate its ruined economy after the GLF by introducing rationality and professionalism, conventional defense production was once again separated from civilian production by the transfer of management of the conventional defense industry to a separate ministry titled MMB-III.
