People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)

China’s great power ambition and actions have been fuelled by its spectacular economic growth and military modernization. The need to sustain the economy and energy flow makes the East and South China seas vital to it. Its vulnerabilities also lie on its seaboard. To dominate the maritime spaces, it needs to own the contiguous airspace as well. The prescient Chinese leadership has transformed its Air Force into a strategic instrument of power, to protect its economic lifelines, geo-political interests and regional dominance.

• Diptendu Choudhury
• November 2020
• Strategic Analysis

The 2014 edition of the air show tried to reinforce the Chinese theme of a rising, strong and technologically advanced industrial base to the domestic constituency, international arms market and adversaries.

• Naval Jagota
• December 11, 2014
• IDSA Comments

After assessing the weaknesses and gaps in Chinese capabilities and highlighting the positions of advantage that India enjoys, this essay proposes a strategy for a strong riposte against any Chinese adventurism.

• Lalit Kumar
• January 17, 2012
• Policy Brief

In light of the build up of Pakistan’s and China’s air power capabilities, India has little choice but to complete its procurement as quickly as possible if the IAF is to be ready to face a conventional conflict.

• Ramesh Phadke
• February 10, 2010
• IDSA Comments

With the inclusion of its Commander in the all powerful Central Military Commission, the PLA Air Force is well placed to play an ever more important role in China’s defence apparatus.

• Ramesh Phadke
• November 12, 2009
• IDSA Comments