Taiwan Independence Will Meet A Dead End: Beijing

Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said on Wednesday that the threat of Taiwan separatism is growing and warned that those who are seeking Taiwan independence will meet a dead end.

"It anyone dares to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will certainly fight, resolutely defending the country's sovereign unity and territorial integrity," Wu said.

This comes as a national defence white paper released on Wednesday said Beijing will not "renounce the use of force" in efforts to reunify Taiwan with the mainland and vowed to take all necessary military measures to defeat "separatists".

It also emphasised Beijing's resolve to combat what it considers separatist forces in Tibet and Xinjiang.

The paper said US, Japanese and Australian moves to beef up their military presence and alliances in the Asia-Pacific are bringing uncertainties to the region.

The US deployment of a missile defence system in South Korea has severely undermined the regional strategic balance, it said.

The report also noted Japan's reinterpretation of its post-World War II constitution to allow its military to operate farther from its shores and Australia is seeking a bigger role in regional security by strengthening its alliance with the US and its military engagement. (AP)