Chinese air force releases video of recent patrols

[Video released by the PLA Air Force]

A video of the Chinese air force conducting recent patrols is generating a lot of buzz on the internet in China.

The video was released on the official Weibo account of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force on Sunday.

The video has been shot by air crews on the H-6K bombers which took part in the patrols.

It has been dubbed with the patriotic song "My motherland and I."

The video has been widely circulated around the internet in China, with many expressing pride in the air force.

A Chinese air force contingent, including H-6K bombers, Su-30 and J-11 fighters, reconnaissance aircraft, early warning aircraft and refueling aircraft, conducted a patrol over the Bashi Channel and the Miyako Strait on December 11.

A spokesperson for the PLA Air Force says the drill was meant to improve the air force's long-distance combat mobility and readiness, as well as its ability to "safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Describing the exercises as "legal and reasonable," the PLA says the air force will conduct longer distance high-sea drills in the future.

(Xinhua contributed to the story.)