Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said modernization and regularization in the air force should be accelerated for a stronger military.

Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, told troops to speed up airspace integration and sharpen their offensive and defensive capabilities while inspecting air force command headquarters.

As a strategic military service, the air force plays a vital role in safeguarding national security, Xi said, urging the army to strengthen exercises and be prepared for combat, so as to quickly respond to emergencies.