Xi saw weapons and equipment at the headquarters of the PLA Air Force Airborne Corps in Xiaogan, Hubei province, during his visit on Monday, state media reported on Tuesday.

State broadcaster CCTV showed Xi inspecting reconnaissance drones indistinguishable from birds at a distance. Xi was also shown watching next-generation airborne armored infantry fighting vehicles equipped with a powerful system developed in China to deflect or defeat incoming threats.

He recognized the unit’s progress and achievements in recent years and called for “all-out efforts” to intensify troop training and improve combat readiness and operations to build a strong and modernized airborne force.

Xi, who also heads China’s top military command body, the Central Military Commission, said the airborne force had “special and important roles in the PLA’s combat structure and system.”

The visit comes as Beijing steps up its pressure campaign against Taiwan, which it views as a part of China that should be brought under mainland control – by force if necessary. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognize the independence of the self-governing island but oppose any attempt to take the island by force.