China's law enforcement authorities will shut down websites that contain information on how to make explosives or guns, as well as ban the online sale of guns and explosives in order to eradicate "potential security risks."

The Ministry of Public Security said in a statement that police will target auction websites and search engines where such information is commonly found in a three-month crackdown campaign that kicked off Wednesday.

The ministry vowed to ban domestic websites from trading guns and providing information on how to manufacture explosives and guns.

Internet users will be punished according to law if they are found to have uploaded such information, the statement said.

Chinese law prohibits civilians from possessing guns, ammunition, explosives and certain types of knives. Minor violations can lead to jail sentences of up to three years, while major violations can lead to jail sentences of up to seven years.