China reveals plan to control the airspace of the Western Pacific

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) plans to expand its air surveillance and strike capabilities in the Western Pacific region, including the vicinity of Japan, to ensure its control of the airspace, according to a report by the Chinese Air Force Command Academy on air strategy obtained by Kyodo news agency on August 2.

China is expanding its navy and is building a second aircraft carrier. (Photo: Reuters)

The report stressed the need to develop and upgrade nine types of "strategic equipment", including new strategic bombers and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, partly to counter the US, which is focusing on its pivot to Asia.

The remaining strategic assets include high-speed air-launched cruise missiles, large transport aircraft, high-altitude balloons, new-generation fighter jets, unmanned attack aircraft, air force satellites and guided bombs.

While China's expansion of its navy and construction of a second aircraft carrier has attracted attention, the report shows that its air force has also begun developing a similar expansion strategy.

The report, prepared by the Academy in November 2014, listed the United States, Japan, Taiwan, India and Vietnam as "threats" to China's military airspace through 2030.

Regarding the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) that China established over the East China Sea in November 2013, the report recommended that the Chinese Air Force and Navy cooperate to improve their air defense capabilities, while emphasizing the need to increase joint exercises.

The report also said that the Chinese Air Force needs to consider development in the aerospace and missile fields.

According to Vietnam+