China's Air Force defensive in nature: general (2)

Though not mentioned by Reuters and AFP in their reports, Xu Qiliang also stressed that the PLA air force will pose no threat to any other country.

"The Chinese people are a peace-loving people, and China is a responsible developing country that upholds a national defense policy that is defensive in nature," he said during the interview with Xinhua.

Wang Mingliang, a professor with the Air Force Command College, told the Global Times that the comments were made against the backdrop of increased competition in the air and in space.

China cannot sit idly by when air and space integration has become a trend, he added.

Also attributing the ambitious goal to the rising uncertainties in the air and in space, Wang Mingzhi, from the same college, said, "According to law, space – often known as 100,000 meters above Earth – is accessible by anyone capable of reaching it. Therefore, no one wants to lose."

This month will see the 60th anniversary of the PLAAF, which still regards the principle of peaceful development as its fundamental policy. An international military forum themed "harmonious skies" will also be held in Beijing later this month with more than 300 senior air force officers from China and more than 30 other countries expected to attend.

Agencies contributed to this story


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