Fang Lei, a senior officer at Chinese Air Force headquarters, was quoted on the Web site of China's military newspaper Liberation Army Daily as saying the country’s entire air space is now covered by an all-weather radar system that also can help in offensive operations, The New York Times reported Wednesday. The system's detection and surveillance quality is “very close” to that used in developed countries.

The Times report, quoting military experts, noted developing such a system has been the military’s priority, along with developing sophisticated surface-to-air missiles and jet fighter interceptors.

Taiwanese and U.S. military officials told the newspaper the air defense radar improvement presents a direct challenge to Taiwan’s efforts to counter its giant neighbor’s military prowess. The report said Taiwan has developed a long-range, land-attack cruise missile that can hit targets as far away as Shanghai.

Taiwan, which China claims as its territory, is under further threat if its government goes ahead with a declaration of independence.