New white paper sets stance on Taiwan in clear focus

The Chinese army will "not hesitate to fight" if someone "dares to try to separate Taiwan from China", the Ministry of National Defense said on Wednesday.

In a white paper released on Wednesday, China listed "opposing and containing 'Taiwan independence'" as one of the top national defense priorities and said it "makes no promise to renounce the use of force".

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, the ministry's spokesman, said at a news conference that the white paper conveys a clear message - "Taiwan independence" attempts will reach a dead end.