The People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force set up an aeronautical pentathlon team on Wednesday at the Aviation University in Changchun to improve the training of its cadets and air force officers.

As an effective way to train and measure the fighting capabilities of the air force, military aeronautical pentathlons first began in 1947 in France. Aside from flight competition, it also includes shooting, fencing, orienteering, basketball skills, an obstacle course and swimming.

A statement from the university said the sport can improve actual combat capacity of the air force and facilitate mutual exchange between Chinese and foreign troops.

Ma Xiaotian, Commander-in-chief of the PLA air force, attended the launching ceremony.