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China calls for

stronger

air force

BEIJING: China's military mouthpiece, the Liberation Army Daily, called Sunday for an urgent upgrading of the country's air force to neutralise growing threats from regional neighbours and other countries.

In a clear reference to nationalist rival Taiwan, a front-page commentary in the newspaper said neighbouring regions had "unceasingly developed their air strength, making the strategic air situation around the country more complicated."

"Our country now faces a serious challenge," the commentary said, accusing unidentified developed nations of implementing contradictory policies of engagement and containment towards China.

The newspaper specifically stressed the need to develop airborne early warning systems and foster research in the development of high-tech electronic combat systems.

The Chinese air force has minimal to non-existent airborne early warning and guidance systems, long-range interceptors and aerial refuelling capabilities, while its fighter squadrons are at least 20 years out of date compared to those of the United States, Japan or Taiwan.

If threatened from the air, China must have the ability to carry its defence strike capability to targets outside its own airspace, the commentary said.

"At the same time, the administration of Chinese air space over our land borders and maritime frontiers must be strengthened," it added.

With regional rather than global conflicts now the main threat to stability, the newspaper said air defences had become increasingly important in protecting sovereign territory.-APP