Xi calls for joining space and air roles

Combining capabilities in PLA is key to defense, expert says

President Xi Jinping is asking the air force to speed up its transformation into a strong power with an integrated air and space capability.

During an inspection visit to the People's Liberation Army air force headquarters in Beijing on Monday, Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the air force plays a decisive role in national security as well as military strategy, and he requested it to have balanced strength in defensive and offensive operations, PLA Daily reported on its website.