Since the past, China's air defense system is a joint effort of point defense interceptors (J-6 and J-7), high flying supersonic interceptors (J-8), with layers of SAM defenses (mainly updated HQ-2). By the nineties, its long in the tooth, hence the interest to acquire MiG-31 and S-300. The inadequete performance of the early J-8s and J-8IIs were also a problem.
Today, you still have the same basic structure but on different levels.
Tactical SAMs like HQ-7 and Tor M1s are in the direct command of the PLA Army.
Longer ranged SAMs like HQ-9, HQ-2 and S-300, are in the direct command of the PLAAF.
J-6s have been retired, but earlier J-7s still serve as point defense interceptors. However, I foresee that role being phased out completely as the last J-7 is retired.
J-7E/G, Updated J-8IIs, Flankers of all types, and now J-10s provide the main backbone of the PRC's air to air defense, now recently augmented with various AWACs and AEW aircraft.
China does not have a long range standoff AAMs. Their BVR capabilities comprise of the PL-11 (Sparrow equivalent), PL-12 (R-77 equivalent), R-77, and different versions of R-27s including the R-27ER/ET. The extended range R-27s are the longest ranged AAMs in PLAAF inventory so far.
The PLAN now adds a new wall to the air defenses, starting with ships with long range fleet area defense like the 052C and 051C DDG classes.
