BEIJING - The Ministry of National Defense launched its first official application on the Apple Store on Monday, which will allow users to track what the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is doing in another effort to promote transparency.

The application, or app, is a newsreader and provides the latest information, pictures and videos for smartphone users. It is based on the mobile operating system iOS, which supports Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Apple TV, and has the highest share of the global telecom market.

"Users will not only receive important information released on that day by the ministry, but also comprehensive coverage of key military issues, as well as breaking news from the PLA Daily," the ministry said on its website.

A report on the website ismashphone.com says that growth in the iPhone market in China increased by nearly 250 percent year-over-year during the first quarter of 2011, and China has become the second-largest iPhone app market in the world. The first is the United States.

The app was praised by many netizens. They said it is one of the great achievements by the Chinese military in promoting transparency.

"As a military fan, I have never thought that the ministry could keep pace with the times to release this app, whose webpage and content are amazing. I hope it can provide more videos and let us know the progress of Chinese military construction," said a netizen named Xu Liyang.

Peng Guangqian, a Beijing-based military strategist, said the ministry's app will help the world and the public know more about China's military development and eliminate misunderstandings caused by rumors and speculation.

Cooperation with Apple is also helping the ministry to form a new public image, one that is more open and modernized, he said.

Meanwhile, China Military Online, supported by PLA Daily, and the ministry's website were also comprehensively upgraded on Aug 1 for the 84th anniversary of the founding of the PLA.

China Military Online provides a wide range of information with 85 channels and 1,233 columns, while the ministry's official website features 25 channels and 169 columns in English and Chinese simplified and traditional characters.

Defense Minister Liang Guanglie expressed his congratulations on the release of the new sources for information, saying he hopes that they play a bigger role in the promotion and influence of the Chinese military.