Air force "no threat to others"

BEIJING, Nov. 2 -- China's quest for a strong air force is in line with the need to safeguard regional stability and world peace, the service's commander-in-chief, General Xu Qiliang said Sunday.

Xu Qiliang, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Commander, gestures during an interview with Xinhua. (Xinhuanet Photo)

"Regardless of its extent of development, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) will never pose a military threat to any country," Xu said in an interview to Xinhua News Agency just days before the 60th anniversary of the Chinese air force on Nov 11.

PLAAF will employ a combination of defense and attack strategies, he said.

This means it will constantly improve its capabilities in reconnaissance and early warning, airborne combat capabilities, anti-aircraft and anti-missile, and strategic airlift missions, said Xu.