President Hu says China adheres to peaceful use of airspace

Chinese President Hu Jintao, also Chairman of the Central Military Commission (Front, R), meets with the heads of foreign air force delegations, who are here for an international military forum on peace and development to mark the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force, in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 6, 2009. (Xinhua/Wang Jianmin)

BEIJING, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said Friday that China will continue to adhere to peaceful exploitation and use of airspace.

Hu, also Chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while meeting the heads of foreign air force delegations, who were in Beijing for an international military forum on peace and development to mark the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force.

More than 30 foreign air force delegations will attend the forum, which is aimed to promote exchanges and to build mutual trust and to discuss means of maintaining airspace security.

"China will unswervingly uphold a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and will never seek military expansion and an arms race, and will never constitute military threat to any other country," Hu said.

Hu said China would unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and develop friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence, and facilitate the creation of a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

Airspace had become an important area of friendly exchanges among the world and an important aspect of human civilization progress, said Hu.

"To create secure and harmonious airspace has become a desire and beautiful dream shared by the world," said Hu.

It was increasingly important for air forces of different countries to enhance exchanges and cooperation on airspace security, said Hu.

He said in the spirit of peace, development and cooperation, China will continue the commitment to peaceful exploitation and use of airspace, be vigorously involved in international cooperation on airspace security and facilitate the creation of secure and harmonious airspace.

Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Staff of the Air Force of Pakistan, expressed congratulations on the 60th founding anniversary of the PLA air force on behalf of the foreign air force delegations.

"We appreciate the commitment of the Chinese government and armed forces to peaceful exploitation and use of airspace," said Suleman.

This year marks the 60th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Its naval force was founded on April 23, 1949, and its air force on Nov. 11 that year.

In addition to the international forum, the PLA air force will also celebrate its 60th anniversary with an air show and an exhibition of weapons and equipment of the air force.