[1] In 2002 Xu was commander of the 14th Fighter Division, a unit on constant combat duty in the Nanjing War Zone.

In 2007 he was frontline commander for PLAAF fighters deployed to the Sino-Russian joint military exercise Peace Mission 2007.

His division achieved its tactical objectives, even though in a strange location, against unfamiliar targets, and under uncertain circumstances.

[2] In 2008, Xu was deputy chief of the staff of the Nanjing Military Region Air Force when the Great Sichuan earthquake occurred.

He personally oversaw preparation of aircraft in the Special Rescue Regiment that received emergency mobilization orders at 10:30 p.m. on the night of the earthquake, departing 3 hours later with all necessary materials.