BEIJING, Aug. 17-- China's industrial authorities on Monday demanded safety inspections on commercial explosives firms following last week's fatal explosions in Tianjin.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ordered local regulators to conduct thorough safety checks on entities that deal with commercial explosives, with a focus on storage and safety regulations.
Any company found to have not corrected any irregularities will be ordered to halt production.
In addition, the ministry said it will "in principle" cease issuing new construction permits for industrial explosives factories.
The emphasis on safety follows two massive explosions at a warehouse storing dangerous chemicals in Tianjin City, north China, on Aug. 12, killing at least 114 people.
The State Council on Saturday headed a national tele-conference on an upcoming national inspection that will target industries related with dangerous chemicals, explosives, fireworks, elevators, non-coal mines, public transportation and ports.
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