An undated photo showing ground-to-air missile system of Chinese Air Force. [Photo: mod.gov.cn]

The Chinese Air Force is suggesting it may move to increase the capabilities of the country's existing anti-missile capabilities.

Shen Jinke with the Chinese Air Force says upgrades to the ground-to-air forces in China would be a solid step toward increasing national security.

"Through innovation, ground-to-air defense troops are able to deal with far-range, medium-range and short-range missiles which can come in on high, medium and low altitudes. The capability of China's air defense and anti-missile systems has greatly improved in the information age we live in. Our ground-to-air forces are now a powerful force to safeguard China's airspace sovereignty."

In making the statement, the Chinese Air Force has not said when or how the current ground-to-air missile and anti-aircraft defense systems might be upgraded.

The suggestion comes on the heels of plans by the US and South Korea to place the US THAAD anti-missile system in South Korea.

Chinese authorities say the system poses a threat to both the stability of the Korean peninsula, but to China as well, as its radar systems will be able to penetrate into Chinese territory.