China’s Military Blacklists Elite Defense Universities

The suspension involved three of China’s ‘Seven Sons of National Defense.’

Missile-bearing trucks in a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on Sept. 3, 2025. Greg Baker/ AFP via Getty Images

The Chinese military has banned some of the country’s top defense-linked universities from participating in its procurement program, citing allegations of bid-rigging in military research projects.

The bans were announced on Nov. 9 through the official People’s Liberation Army (PLA) procurement website. According to notices reviewed by The Epoch Times, the affected institutions were accused of “manipulating bids” and “transferring improper benefits” in connection with research and development projects.