China to boost space defense in ‘new-type combat force’

China is planning to beef up its combat capability by increasing resources in a “new-type combat force,” which includes integrating air and space capability in reaction to the international development of space weapons, local media reported.

Visiting the People’s Liberation Army Air Force headquarters in Beijing on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that the air force plays a decisive role in national security as well as military strategy, stating that it should have balanced strength in defensive and offensive operations, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday.

Xi ordered the allocation of more resources in a “new-type combat force” to make sure the country’s army can “swiftly and effectively” deal with possible emergencies.

“The United States has paid considerable attention and resources to the integration of capabilities in both air and space, and other powers have also moved progressively toward space militarization,” Xi said. “Though China has stated that it sticks to the peaceful use of space, we must make sure that we have the ability to cope with others’ operations in space.”  TRUNews