Responding to a foreign report that China’s air force is now second only to the
US, Defense Ministry spokesman Chen Xi said the service is in a critical phase
of strategic transformation toward integrated air-space operations and balanced
offense-defense. He cited deployment of J-20, J-16 and J-10 fighters, expanded
Y-20 strategic airlift, and strengthened bomber and AWACS support, saying these
upgrades enhance strategic strike, early warning, air defense and strategic lift
capabilities and accelerate modernization to safeguard China’s sovereignty,
security and regional stability.
