Wu said only police officers with public security organs, State security departments, prisons, courts, procuratorates and customs officers on official duty can be equipped with guns. And officers have to pass a regulation and firing exam before being issued with a firearm.

However, there have already been disputes over whether the official support of legal gun use will lead to an abuse of power.

Wang Dawei, a professor with the Chinese People's Public Security University, said the police should be cautious and avoid gun use if at all possible. "Police officers should shot only when it is absolutely necessary. It is a last resort, as guns kill."