PLA Air Force indispensable to security

The People's Liberation Army Air Force celebrates its 70th anniversary on Monday. Steeled by the Korean War (1950-53) and later air defense operations, and supported by the growing national strength and, most importantly, generations of personnel's efforts, the PLA Air Force has become a powerful force safeguarding national and international security.

Symbolic of the country's military strength, the air force has taken part in wars, when needed, to ensure victory. And during peacetime, it mainly safeguards China's territorial airspace while also dealing with non-traditional security threats.

After planes were used in a war, countries quickly recognized the importance of having an air force. In the initial days, though, the air force operated relatively independently, although countries with more modern planes, thanks to their use of advanced technology, have always enjoyed an advantage in air battles.