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Article: China Plans for a Stronger Air Force; Move Reflects Push to Expand Influence in Asia, Serve Notice to United States
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- November 9, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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The commander of China's air force said today Beijing would begin
transforming the service from a territorial defense force into a more
aggressive one with greater capabilities to attack beyond China's
borders, the New China News Agency reported.
Lt. Gen. Liu Shunyao said the air force would strive to "realize
as soon as possible a change from territorial defense to a
combination of defense and offense." In separate comments today, on
the 50th anniversary of the air force, President Jiang Zemin echoed
Liu's comments.
Liu's remarks were yet another indication of China's plans to use
its military might to expand its influence in Asia. China has
recently showcased in-flight refueling technology ...