Article Posted on : - Nov 02, 2009

A file photo.

BEIJING (PTI): In an apparent shift of its stand, a top Chinese military commander has called for militarisation of space saying it was an "historical inevitability".

"China will develop an air force with integrated capabilities for both offensive and defensive operations in space as well as in the air", People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force Commander Xu Qiliang said.

China has so far been opposing militarisation of outer space and recently along with Russia had offered to sign a pact with the US on non-weaponisation of outer space.

Xu claimed "Superiority in space would mean superiority over the land and oceans. As an air force we must forge our swords and shields to protect peace".

In a wide ranging interview to Xinhua ten days ahead of the 60th anniversary of the founding of PLA air force, Xu said, "A country without adequate power would have no say when faced with challenges posed by the militarisation of space".

The top Chinese air force commander said it was not only major air force powers in the world which were eyeing outer space for weaponisation, but, some developing countries were also changing their military strategies to gain access to putting weapons in outer space.

Declaring that it was imperative for PLA air force to develop capabilities in outer space, the Chinese commander said, "The PLA must in a time frame develop weapons of space security and space dominance".

"We must build an outer space force that conforms with the needs of our nation", he said.

The Chinese commander also disclosed that the air force planned to improve its air detection and early warning systems, air striking, anti-missile air defence as well as strategic delivery capabilities in order to effectively protect China's interest.

Beijing has recently tried to garner support for an international treaty to control the deployment of weapons in space.

In 2007, China shocked the world by shooting down one of its own weather satellite, a capability seen by many as a possible trigger of an arms race in space.