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 acce

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.