China Quietly Builds The World's Second Largest Air Force

Virtually unknown to most Americans who believe in myths of their own military superiority, the Chinese have been using part of the immense industrial wealth of their economy to build the world's second largest air force. The People's Liberation Army Air Force now has over 6,000 warplanes, and more than 300,000 members, pilots or support staff. The U.S. Air Force comprises 6,2117 aircraft and 351,800 members, pilots and support staff.

Many of the aircraft are copies of Russian designed MIG 19 and 21 aircraft, however China is now purchasing the high tech Russian Sukhoi SU-27 as well as the J-10 strike fighter. China also has aircraft comparableb to the U.S. AWACS and matches the U.S. in nearly categories of aircraft except for stealth technology.

Antiship cruise missile and nuclear weapons carrying capability are the major mission of the Russian produced SU-30 bombers and other bomber class aircraft.

One thing that American retailers who carry so much Chinese made goods is just how much benefit this is providing their military. If China would choose to ever attack Taiwan, with such a huge force, the U.S. would have great difficulty repelling such a large military that could quickly overrun the Island.