BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Sunday called for a "new chapter" of the development of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force.

    Hu met with representatives of senior officers, role models and pilots of the PLA air force.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L front) meets with heroes of the Chinese Air Force on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of China Air Force in Beijing, China, Nov. 8, 2009. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Photo Gallery>>>

    The PLA air force have made huge progress in its own development over the past six decades, with remarkable contributions to the protection of China's sovereignty, safety, territorial integrity as well as to the socialist modernization of the country, Hu said.

    China's national defense and the modernization of its army are facing new situations and new tasks, Hu said.

    The air force have also entered a key phase of development, Hu said, urging them to develop systematic capabilities for both offensive and defensive operations.

    This year marks the 60th founding anniversary of the PLA air force.