The future of China's Air Force will depend on the high-technology needed to prevail in an information age, according to PLA Air Force Commander General Xu Qiliang. General Xu made the remarks during a visit to an Air Force unit in eastern China's Shandong Province on Monday.

Air Force chiefs from 34 countries are visiting the PLA's Air Division, at the Jining military training base.

Established in 1950, it is the PLA's first air attack division. Today, it serves as a contingency force for various peacetime missions. The development of this division reflects the prevailing trend of the PLA's military doctrine.

Gen. Xu Qiliang, PLA Air Force Commander, said, "The future direction of our Air Force is to build a fighting force able to prevail in information-based warfare. We have to adopt a strategic transformation toward high-tech development."

The domestically developed Chinese fighter bomber FBC-1, known as the Flying Leopard, was on display at the base. It represents the Air Force's latest achievements, and forms the mainstay of its major combat capabilities.

Many are impressed by the PLA's technological leap forward.

ACM. Rao Qamar Suleman, chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, said, "The Chinese Air Force is compatible to any of the airforce in the world. And it is this factor that it's so powerful and important that peace is being maintained all over Asia. "

Brig. Gen. Johan Svensson, Deputy Commander of Air Component Command, Sweden, said, "As I have understood that I think this is a good transparency for the Chinese armed forces."

It is the first time that US Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle, commander of the 13th Air Force, has visited China.

LT. Gen. Herbert J. Carlisle, commander of 13th Air Force, USA,said, "Talking to other elements, probably the most valuable thing we can do is build trust and ease tension and make sure we keep to peaceful and stable. So this is the best opportunity to get to know the Chinese people and Chinese airmen."

Foreign commanders regard the visit as a demonstration of the PLA's growing openness and confidence. Their Chinese counterparts agree, saying the event is a good opportunity to learn from each other.

Visiting an air force unit is only part of the exchanges to mark the 60th anniversary of the PLA airforce. There are also seminars, exhibitions and an airshow. As the air force gains in strength and China continue to open up, such face-to-face contact with foreign armies will become more frequent.