From AFP via China Daily:
Chinese authorities have admitted they are struggling to cope with a “rampant” illegal market in explosives and small arms, as they launched a crackdown.
“At present the public security situation concerning explosives, guns and ammunition is not optimistic,” public security ministry spokesman Wu Heping told journalists at a briefing to announce details of the four-month crackdown.
The number of explosions, the theft of explosives and criminal activities using illegally made guns were posing problems for police and public safety, he said. [Full Text]
See also China to tighten control on illegal weapons by Shanghai Daily