New Delhi, Nov 2 (ANI): To safeguard regional stability and world peace, China’s need for a strong air force is in line, according to commander-in-chief, General Xu Qiliang.

“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 just days before the 60th anniversary of the Chinese Air Force on Nov 11.

The PLAAF will employ a combination of defence 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, Xu said.

The PLAAF will put its most advanced warplanes on display in the capital to mark the anniversary.

All aircraft, including the Kongjing-2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, J-11 fighters, H-6 bomber jets, and the HQ-9 surface-to-air missiles, have been made in China, PLAAF deputy commander He Weirong said.

Four J-10 and six J-7 fighters from the air force’s performance team are scheduled to fly past and paratroopers will display skydiving skills as part of the anniversary gala program.

An international military forum themed “Harmonious Skies” will be held in Beijing this month. More than 300 senior air force personnel from China and abroad are expected to attend the forum to mark PLAAF’s landmark anniversary, He said.

Celebrations will also include an exhibition of weapons and equipment of the air force at the China Aviation Museum on the outskirts of Beijing, according to the officer. (ANI)