BEIJING, June 17  -- President Xi Jinping stressed the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s absolute leadership of the air force at the 12th Air Force Party Congress on Tuesday in Beijing.

Xi said he has every confidence in the prospects for the air force to shoulder its historical responsibility and build a strong force that integrates aviation and space power, strike and defense capabilities essential to national security and development.

The Party's leadership plays a fundamental role in guaranteeing the mission, Xi said.

The air force should consolidate the Party's absolute leadership in strengthening officers' and soldiers' ideological beliefs, enhancing fighting spirit and combat effectiveness, and working styles.