CCTV Special Series: Paratroopers leap into action

In today's special report examining the development of China's Air Force on its 60th anniversary, we take a look at its elite corps of airborne troops. As a special branch of the PLA Air Force with a strategic designation, the airborne division is tasked with responding to fast-developing emergencies and special missions.

May 14th, 2008, Sichuan Province. Two days after a devastating earthquake.

Paratroopers are the first to reach the isolated epicenter. The landing zone is on a high plateau, and the weather is terrible.

Within four hours, they send back their first report. They will be at the heart of the rescue and recovery operation for the next three months.

China's airborne troops have played a vanguard role in many disaster relief efforts, as well as in joint military exercises with foreign units.

Airborne Unit Commander of PLA Air Force, said, "If necessary, our troops can arrive in any part of China within several hours to carry out their mission."