Chinese President Hu Jintao (R Front) shakes hands with an officer as he meets with the delegates to the 11th Congress of the Communist Party of China of the Chinese Liberation Army Air Force, in Beijing, capital of China, May 22, 2009. (Xinhua/Wang Jianmin) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao urged Friday to build a powerful air force to meet the demands of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for missions in the 21th century.

    Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remark when meeting delegates of the 11th CPC Congress of the PLA Air Force in Beijing.

    Hu asked the Air Force's officers to constantly improve the ability to win local wars as well as accomplish diversified military tasks.

Chinese President Hu Jintao delivers a speech as he meets with the delegates to the 11th Congress of the Communist Party of China of the Chinese Liberation Army Air Force, in Beijing, capital of China, May 22, 2009. (Xinhua/Wang Jianmin) Photo Gallery>>>

    He urged the acceleration of modernizing the air force which is an important component of the country's armed forces.

    The president said the Air Force has done outstanding jobs in accomplishing various tasks given by the Party and the people, and made great contribution to national security and development.

    Hu also stressed that the Air Force should enhance the message of loyalty to the Party among all officers and soldiers as an essential part of their military training.

    The PLA Air Force was founded in 1949.