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China maintains the most extensive signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities of all the countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The SIGINT systems include several dozen ground stations, half a dozen ships, truck-mounted systems, airborne systems, and a limited satellite collection capability. These capabilities have been significantly enhanced over the past decade, particularly with respect to electronic warfare (EW) operations. Aerial reconnaissance includes photographic and electronics intelligence (ELINT) activities. The principal Chinese airborne ELINT platform is the four-engine turboprop EY-8, an indigenous development of the Soviet An-12/Cub. The system is designed to detect, identify, analyze and locate land-based or shipborne radar emitters with a high probability of intercept. Israel has reportedly assisted development of China's airborne ELINT/EW capability, whereby several Chinese systems are derived from Israeli systems. (87)

Based on a Jane's Defence Weekly article, the PLAAF has also operationally deployed its first generation of locally developed long-range ELINT aircraft in early 1999. According to the report,

Four modified TU-154 aircraft, fitted with radomes, have been deployed in the Nanjing MR opposite Taiwan, and at least eight more are on order. Although specifications of the aircraft are not known, some of the TU-154s may have limited airborne control and electronic warfare capabilities. Development of the aircraft was done at the PLAAF's Nanyuan airfield, located just south of Beijing. (88)

The PLA Naval air force was established in August 1950 as a separate administrative department within Navy Headquarters and as a separate PLA Navy operational branch. There are differing opinions concerning whether or not Naval air force's modernization is keeping pace with the PLAAF. Although Naval air force has received the FB-7 and its bombers are equipped with air-to-surface cruise missiles, the PLAAF has received all of the Su-27s and most of the J-8II fighters so far. In addition, the PLAAF has begun flying over water, which heretofore was a Naval air force mission only. Naval air force's missions include protecting China's coastal airspace, providing air support for naval forces at sea, and, conducting maritime search and rescue operations. The DoD reports states,

The PLANAF has only a limited maritime strike capability with some 150 non-standoff B-6s, A-5/Fantans, and B-5s. These aircraft would be only marginally effective against most modern navies. Some of the approximately thirty B-6Ds provide the PLANAF with a cruise missile ship interdiction strike capability, utilizing the C-601/ Kraken ASCM. The standoff-capable FB-7 fighter-bomber, equipped with the C-801/ASCM, will become operational in the next two to three years. It likely will augment the B-6 and eventually replace some of the B-5s and A-5s in the PLANAF's inventory. (89)

According to interviews in Asia, the FB-7 is in the operational test and evaluation (OT&E) phase known as production finalization. The PLANAF already has twelve FB-7 in its inventory, although they may not be considered operational. Several of the aircraft overflew Beijing during the PRC's 50th anniversary on October 1, 1999. Various problems associated with the aircraft were revealed in an 18 June 1998 article in People's Navy, but these changes were minor modifications that took place during the OT&E phase:

The PLANAF had to improve the FB-7 after receiving them. When the aircraft first arrived, it was still being tested, manufactured, and improved. The transceivers easily burned out, and the fuel tanks had to be replaced periodically. As a result, the regiment added a protector to the transceiver, and devised an easier way to replace the fuel tank. More innovations followed, including checking the fueling procedure without starting the engine; checking the fueling valve without increasing pressure; a faster way to hang, connect, and test a model of a missile; and a device to prevent engine cough caused by exhaust from missile launching that led to engine shutdown in mid?air. The regiment also found ways to protect the new equipment against heat, humidity, corrosion, rat infestation, and typhoons. (90)

The PLANAF has also secured the purchase of their own AEW aircraft, the SkyMaster AEW system from the United Kingdom. According to Defense News they have purchased up to eight AEW systems for installation on the Y-8. The SkyMaster includes both AEW and maritime patrol functions which fits well with PLANAF plans. While it would be of marginal use against a dedicated fighter attack, it is well suited to direct intercept of long range maritime patrol aircraft. (91)