The Chinese Air Force says female J-10 fighter pilot Yu Xu died in an accident during routine flight training on Saturday.

The 30-year-old Yu was one of China's first female fighter pilots. She joined the People's Liberation Army Air Force in September 2005, and was serving as a flight squadron leader.

Air Force spokesman Shen Jinke says her death has saddened all Air Force service personnel.  He says the Air Force will continue to conduct training by the highest standards and faithfully fulfill its mission.

This file photo shows Chinese female J-10 fighter pilot Yu Xu. Yu died in an accident during a routine flight training on Saturday, an Air Force spokesman said. (Xinhua/Shen Ling)

This file photo shows Chinese female J-10 fighter pilot Yu Xu. Yu died in an accident during a routine flight training on Saturday, an Air Force spokesman said. (Xinhua/Shen Ling)