China cites Tibet among major threats in defence policy paper

(TibetanReview.net, Jan 21) – Separatist forces in Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang remain major threats to China's security, said China’s Defence ministry spokesman Hu Changming as he launched "China's National Defense in 2008," a policy paper in Beijing on Jan 20. "Taiwan independence, East Turkestan independence, Tibetan independence and other separatist forces form a major security threat to the unity of the nation and a challenge to our security organs," EasyBourse.com (France) Jan 20 quoted Hu as saying. "On these issues there can be no compromise and no tolerance."

"These problems are all linked to the fundamental interests of our people and the core interests of the nation," it quoted Hu as saying. "The People's Liberation Army will resolutely uphold the sacred task of safeguarding state sovereignty, security and territorial integrity."

In the paper, Beijing pledged to maintain "a purely defensive" stance in its robust military buildup. But China’s neighbours, notably Japan and Taiwan, and the US remain seriously concerned about the real intentions behind China’s relentless military buildup and modernization campaign.

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Last updated on Jan 21, 2009 15:00:19

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