Xi was shown weapons and equipment at the PLA Air Force Airborne Corps headquarters in Xiaogan, Hubei province during Monday’s visit, official media reported on Tuesday.
State broadcaster CCTV showed Xi inspecting reconnaissance drones that are indistinguishable from birds at a distance. Xi was also shown viewing next-generation airborne armoured infantry fighting vehicles equipped with a powerful system developed in China to deflect or defeat incoming threats.
He acknowledged the unit’s progress and achievements in recent years and called for “all-out efforts” to intensify troop training and improve combat preparedness and operations to build a strong, modernised airborne force.
Xi, who also heads China’s top military command body, the Central Military Commission, said the airborne force had “special and important roles in the PLA’s structure and battle system”.
The visit comes as Beijing has been ramping up its pressure campaign against Taiwan, which it sees as part of China to be brought under mainland control – by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise the self-governed island as independent but oppose any attempt to take the island by force.
