China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-thaad-system-deployment-to-south-korea-undermines-regional-strategic-balance-says-china-238130"> national defence plan</a> published Wednesday, as it accused Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warned against Taiwanese independence.

The first comprehensive white paper since 2012 offers insight into the world's largest army as it scrambles to catch up to America's formidable firepower as tensions deepen between the two powers.

Beijing is firm on the self-ruled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-impose-sanctions-on-us-firms-in-taiwan-arms-sale-235357">island of Taiwan</a> -- which China views as its own territory -- and makes "no promise to renounce the use of force" in bringing it back into the fold.

"China must be and will be reunited," the paper reads.

It says Taiwan "separatists" are the biggest threat to the peaceful reunification of the country.

"The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China," it says.

"This hostile signalling of resolve may backfire within Taiwan by exacerbating anxieties that are already heightened by the clear failures of the model of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong," Kania said.

"The United States is clearly the intended audience for this signalling of red lines as well."

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitastaiwan-a-us-china-flashpoint-236522/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's top policy-making body on China, slammed the white paper for making "absurd remarks".

"We firmly oppose and condemn Beijing authorities for using cross-strait issues as a pretext for military expansion and threatening to use force against Taiwan," it said in a statement.

And with pro-democracy protests raging in Hong Kong, China's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian cited a law stipulating that the PLA could be deployed to maintain public order if requested by the city's semi-autonomous government.

"International strategic competition is on the rise," the document says, adding that the United States has adjusted its national security and defence strategies and adopted "unilateral policies".

The US "has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defence, and undermined global strategic stability".

The plan calls for more cutting-edge technology in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal, admitting it "still lags far behind the world's leading militaries".

War is evolving towards "intelligent" combat, the paper says, citing a growing use of AI, big data, cloud computing and "new and high-tech military technologies based on IT".

China's defence spending is second only to the United States, and it said earlier this year it planned to raise it by 7.5 per cent in 2019, though the increase in expenditure has slowed as the economy has cooled in recent years.

The PLA has been focused on catching up with technology used by armed forces in the US and western Europe, and is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier as well as developing a new generation of destroyer vessels, stealth fighter jets and ballistic missiles.

The US-China trade war is pushing Beijing to ramp up efforts to develop its own technological innovations, which would benefit the PLA, said Lyle Morris, senior policy analyst at the RAND Corporation think tank.

"The PLA still lags behind the US military in most indicators of technological superiority, but is closing the gap fast," Morris said. 
&nbsp;

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday, as it accused Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warned against Taiwanese independence.

China outlined plans to build a modern, high-tech army in a national defence plan published Wednesday, as it accused Washington of undermining global strategic stability and warned against Taiwanese independence. The first comprehensive white paper since 2012 offers insight into the world's largest army as it scrambles to catch up to America's formidable firepower as tensions deepen between the two powers. Beijing is firm on the self-ruled island of Taiwan -- which China views as its own territory -- and makes "no promise to renounce the use of force" in bringing it back into the fold. "China must be and will be reunited," the paper reads. It says Taiwan "separatists" are the biggest threat to the peaceful reunification of the country. "The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China," it says. "This hostile signalling of resolve may backfire within Taiwan by exacerbating anxieties that are already heightened by the clear failures of the model of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong," Kania said. "The United States is clearly the intended audience for this signalling of red lines as well." Watch Video: The Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's top policy-making body on China, slammed the white paper for making "absurd remarks". "We firmly oppose and condemn Beijing authorities for using cross-strait issues as a pretext for military expansion and threatening to use force against Taiwan," it said in a statement. And with pro-democracy protests raging in Hong Kong, China's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian cited a law stipulating that the PLA could be deployed to maintain public order if requested by the city's semi-autonomous government. "International strategic competition is on the rise," the document says, adding that the United States has adjusted its national security and defence strategies and adopted "unilateral policies". The US "has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defence expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defence, and undermined global strategic stability". The plan calls for more cutting-edge technology in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal, admitting it "still lags far behind the world's leading militaries". War is evolving towards "intelligent" combat, the paper says, citing a growing use of AI, big data, cloud computing and "new and high-tech military technologies based on IT". China's defence spending is second only to the United States, and it said earlier this year it planned to raise it by 7.5 per cent in 2019, though the increase in expenditure has slowed as the economy has cooled in recent years. The PLA has been focused on catching up with technology used by armed forces in the US and western Europe, and is reportedly building a third aircraft carrier as well as developing a new generation of destroyer vessels, stealth fighter jets and ballistic missiles. The US-China trade war is pushing Beijing to ramp up efforts to develop its own technological innovations, which would benefit the PLA, said Lyle Morris, senior policy analyst at the RAND Corporation think tank. "The PLA still lags behind the US military in most indicators of technological superiority, but is closing the gap fast," Morris said.

China will be reunited, PLA will defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan: National defence plan

The United States said Tuesday that its $2.2 billion arms sale to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sale-of-weapons-to-taiwan-violates-one-china-policy-cancel-it-immediately-china-to-us-234236">Taiwan will contribute to stability</a> in Asia after China demanded that Washington cancel the order.

The State Department said the deal, which includes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-possible-22-billion-arms-sale-to-taiwan-amid-tension-with-china-234130">battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles</a>, did not change US recognition of Beijing as China's sole government.

"Our interest in Taiwan, especially as it relates to these military sales, is to promote peace and stability across the strait, across the region," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told reporters.

"So there is no change of course in our long-standing one-China policy," she said.

"I don't see our notification here as anything other than complying with the Taiwan Relations Act," she said, referring to the law passed by Congress in 1979 that requires the United States to ensure that the island has the means to defend itself.

It was the biggest US arms sale in years to the self-governing democracy, where China's defeated nationalists fled in 1949 and which Beijing considers a province awaiting reunification.

China said it lodged a complaint through diplomatic channels expressing "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to the sale.

The deal includes 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger portable anti-aircraft missiles, related equipment and support at an estimated cost of just over $2.2 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

China has significantly stepped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taipei since the election in 2016 of President Tsai Ing-wen, whose Democratic Progressive Party refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of "One China".

The United States said Tuesday that its $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan will contribute to stability in Asia after China demanded that Washington cancel the order.

The United States said Tuesday that its $2.2 billion arms sale to Taiwan will contribute to stability in Asia after China demanded that Washington cancel the order. The State Department said the deal, which includes battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles, did not change US recognition of Beijing as China's sole government. "Our interest in Taiwan, especially as it relates to these military sales, is to promote peace and stability across the strait, across the region," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told reporters. "So there is no change of course in our long-standing one-China policy," she said. "I don't see our notification here as anything other than complying with the Taiwan Relations Act," she said, referring to the law passed by Congress in 1979 that requires the United States to ensure that the island has the means to defend itself. It was the biggest US arms sale in years to the self-governing democracy, where China's defeated nationalists fled in 1949 and which Beijing considers a province awaiting reunification. China said it lodged a complaint through diplomatic channels expressing "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to the sale. The deal includes 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger portable anti-aircraft missiles, related equipment and support at an estimated cost of just over $2.2 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). China has significantly stepped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taipei since the election in 2016 of President Tsai Ing-wen, whose Democratic Progressive Party refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of "One China".

Military ties with Taiwan meant to promote peace across the strait: US

The US military said it sent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-protests-as-french-warship-passes-through-taiwan-strait-213434">two Navy warships through</a> the Taiwan Strait on Sunday as the Pentagon increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.

The voyage risks further raising tensions with China but will likely be viewed by<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-urge-us-to-respect-one-china-principle-and-avoid-damaging-peace-in-taiwan-straits-china-180222"> self-ruled Taiwan</a> as a sign of support from the Trump administration amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing.

Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols.

The two destroyers were identified as the William P. Lawrence and Stethem. The 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait separates Taiwan from China.

"The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, said in a statement.

Doss said there were no unsafe or unprofessional interactions with other countries' vessels during the transit.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said the US ships had sailed north through the strait.

"US ships freely passing through the Taiwan Strait is part of the mission of carrying out the Indo-Pacific strategy," it said in a statement.

Taiwan's armed forces monitored the transit and nothing out of the ordinary happened during it, the ministry said.

There was no immediate comment from China.

The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taipei more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010.

China has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island, which it considers a wayward province of "one-China" and sacred Chinese territory.

It said a recent Taiwan Strait passage by a French warship was "illegal."

Beijing's concerns about Taiwan are likely to factor strongly into this year's Chinese defense budget, following a stern New Year's speech from President Xi Jinping, threatening to attack Taiwan should it not accept Chinese rule.

China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle the island on drills in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

The US military said it sent two Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday as the Pentagon increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.

The US military said it sent two Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday as the Pentagon increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China. The voyage risks further raising tensions with China but will likely be viewed by self-ruled Taiwan as a sign of support from the Trump administration amid growing friction between Taipei and Beijing. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom-of-navigation patrols. The two destroyers were identified as the William P. Lawrence and Stethem. The 112-mile-wide (180-km) Taiwan Strait separates Taiwan from China. "The ships' transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," Commander Clay Doss, a spokesman for the US Navy's Seventh Fleet, said in a statement. Doss said there were no unsafe or unprofessional interactions with other countries' vessels during the transit. Taiwan's Defense Ministry said the US ships had sailed north through the strait. "US ships freely passing through the Taiwan Strait is part of the mission of carrying out the Indo-Pacific strategy," it said in a statement. Taiwan's armed forces monitored the transit and nothing out of the ordinary happened during it, the ministry said. There was no immediate comment from China. The United States has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taipei more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010. China has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island, which it considers a wayward province of "one-China" and sacred Chinese territory. It said a recent Taiwan Strait passage by a French warship was "illegal." Beijing's concerns about Taiwan are likely to factor strongly into this year's Chinese defense budget, following a stern New Year's speech from President Xi Jinping, threatening to attack Taiwan should it not accept Chinese rule. China has repeatedly sent military aircraft and ships to circle the island on drills in the past few years and worked to isolate it internationally, whittling down its few remaining diplomatic allies.

After French warship, two US warships sail through Taiwan Strait amid tensions with China

A French warship passed through the strategic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warships-pass-through-taiwan-strait-amid-china-tensions-192610">Taiwan Strait&nbsp;this month</a> as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.&nbsp;

The passage, which was confirmed by China.

"The (French) national navy crosses the Taiwan Strait&nbsp;about once a year, without any incident nor reaction," an aide to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said after China confirmed lodging an official protest over what was seen as a rare passage by a warship from a European power.

Beijing views self-governed and democratic Taiwan as its territory awaiting reunification, and any passage through the Strait is seen as defying that claim.

The French operation comes amid increasing tensions between the United States and China. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom of navigation patrols.

China said on Thursday it had lodged "stern representations" with France for what it called an "illegal" passage.

"China’s military sent navy ships in accordance with the law and the rules to identify the French ship and warn it to leave," defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said.

The French strait passage comes against the backdrop of increasingly regular passages by US&nbsp;warships through the strategic waterway. Last month, the United States sent Navy and Coast Guard ships through the Taiwan Strait.

The passages upset China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. Beijing has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island.

Chen Chung-chi, spokesman for Taiwan's defense ministry, told Reuters by phone the strait is part of busy international waters and it is "a necessity" for vessels from all countries to transit through it. He said Taiwan's defense ministry will continue to monitor movement of foreign vessels in the region.

Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms.

(Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month.

A French warship passed through the strategic Taiwan Strait this month as France on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to "freedom of navigation under maritime law" following a spat with China over the passage of a French warship through the Taiwan Strait earlier this month. The passage, which was confirmed by China. "The (French) national navy crosses the Taiwan Strait about once a year, without any incident nor reaction," an aide to French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said after China confirmed lodging an official protest over what was seen as a rare passage by a warship from a European power. Beijing views self-governed and democratic Taiwan as its territory awaiting reunification, and any passage through the Strait is seen as defying that claim. The French operation comes amid increasing tensions between the United States and China. Taiwan is one of a growing number of flashpoints in the US-China relationship, which also include a trade war, US sanctions and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea, where the United States also conducts freedom of navigation patrols. China said on Thursday it had lodged "stern representations" with France for what it called an "illegal" passage. "China’s military sent navy ships in accordance with the law and the rules to identify the French ship and warn it to leave," defense ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said. The French strait passage comes against the backdrop of increasingly regular passages by US warships through the strategic waterway. Last month, the United States sent Navy and Coast Guard ships through the Taiwan Strait. The passages upset China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory. Beijing has been ramping up pressure to assert its sovereignty over the island. Chen Chung-chi, spokesman for Taiwan's defense ministry, told Reuters by phone the strait is part of busy international waters and it is "a necessity" for vessels from all countries to transit through it. He said Taiwan's defense ministry will continue to monitor movement of foreign vessels in the region. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help provide the island with the means to defend itself and is its main source of arms. (Inputs: AFP, Reuters)

China protests as French warship passes through Taiwan Strait

The chief of US naval operations,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-eyes-taiwan-risk-as-chinas-military-capabilities-grow-190644"> Admiral John Richardson said today</a> that he had urged Chinese authorities to follow international rules during naval encounters at sea to ensure safety as tensions over China-US relations in the South China Sea continued.

Richardson added that sending <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-be-intimidated-south-china-sea-us-vp-pence-tell-china-169406">US aircraft carrier to Taiwan Strait</a> remained an option for the US navy.

"We don't really see any kind of limitation on whatever type of ship could pass through those waters," Admiral John Richardson told reporters in the Japanese capital, when asked if more advanced Chinese weapons posed too big a risk.

"We see the Taiwan Strait as another (stretch of) international waters, so that's why we do the transits."

China had earlier lodged a complaint with the United States after a US navy ship USS McCampbell, a guided-missile destroyer, had sailed close to a disputed island in the South China Sea.&nbsp;

The Trump administration had claimed that the naval destroyer had sailed in the South China Sea to challenge "excessive maritime claims" under the &nbsp;"freedom of navigation" option. The US destroyer had sailed through the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea which is claimed by China.&nbsp;

US officials had earlier urged China to stop "militarisation" of the South China Sea, a charge denied by Chinese authorities. US and Chinese officials had met earlier to sort out differences in approach to the freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific waters and the Taiwan issue.

Amid tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan on Wednesday had concluded live fire drills aimed at enhancing combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year to repel "enemy invasion".

Taiwan's air force, infantry and navy took part during the drill, fending off a make-believe attack by hostile forces.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a US government official had said the United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force.

The chief of US naval operations, Admiral John Richardson said today that he had urged Chinese authorities to follow international rules during naval encounters at sea to ensure safety as tensions over China-US relations in the South China Sea continued.

The chief of US naval operations, Admiral John Richardson said today that he had urged Chinese authorities to follow international rules during naval encounters at sea to ensure safety as tensions over China-US relations in the South China Sea continued. Richardson added that sending US aircraft carrier to Taiwan Strait remained an option for the US navy. "We don't really see any kind of limitation on whatever type of ship could pass through those waters," Admiral John Richardson told reporters in the Japanese capital, when asked if more advanced Chinese weapons posed too big a risk. "We see the Taiwan Strait as another (stretch of) international waters, so that's why we do the transits." China had earlier lodged a complaint with the United States after a US navy ship USS McCampbell, a guided-missile destroyer, had sailed close to a disputed island in the South China Sea. The Trump administration had claimed that the naval destroyer had sailed in the South China Sea to challenge "excessive maritime claims" under the "freedom of navigation" option. The US destroyer had sailed through the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea which is claimed by China. US officials had earlier urged China to stop "militarisation" of the South China Sea, a charge denied by Chinese authorities. US and Chinese officials had met earlier to sort out differences in approach to the freedom of navigation in Asia-Pacific waters and the Taiwan issue. Amid tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan on Wednesday had concluded live fire drills aimed at enhancing combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year to repel "enemy invasion". Taiwan's air force, infantry and navy took part during the drill, fending off a make-believe attack by hostile forces. On Tuesday, a US government official had said the United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force.

China must follow international rules during naval encounters at sea: US

Taiwanese forces concluded two days of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/chinas-taiwan-conundrum-new-year-old-challenges-189496">drills simulating enemy invasion</a> and the safeguarding of the weapon systems, amid tensions with China.

The exercises came after a message from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-eyes-taiwan-risk-as-chinas-military-capabilities-grow-190644">Chinese President Xi Jinping to "Taiwanese compatriots"</a> in which he signalled a strong will to speed up "re-unification" with Taiwan and failed to rule out the use of force to achieve this goal.

Taipei said the drills were aimed at enhancing combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year and hoped to put the Taiwanese public at ease before the long holiday starting on Lunar New Year eve on February 4th.

"We are practicing wherever there could be war. We let our troops practice in different weather conditions and practice real-life situations over and over again in different places of warfare," the ministry of defence spokesman said, adding,"In this process, there was no brief or preparation, that is to say, by using this real-life approach, all troops can understand their roles and missions during war and steadily improve their abilities."

Taiwan's air force, infantry and and navy took part during the drill, fending off a make-believe attack by hostile forces. Helicopters, tanks and rocket launchers could be seen firing off rounds of live ammunition, while Mirage fighter jets had their engines tested and were taken for a spin by pilots. Taiwan relies on its fleet of fighter jets to respond to increasing manoeuvres by Chinese air force around the island.

"We are actively continuing the plan of having a self-sufficient national defence including developing domestic aircraft and submarines," the defence ministry spokesman informed.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a US government official had said the United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force.

Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the island’s main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taiwan more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010. 
&nbsp;

Taiwanese forces concluded two days of drills simulating enemy invasion and the safeguarding of the weapon systems, amid tensions with China. The exercises came after a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to "Taiwanese compatriots" in which he signalled a strong will to speed up "re-unification" with Taiwan and failed to rule out the use of force to achieve this goal.

Taiwanese forces concluded two days of drills simulating enemy invasion and the safeguarding of the weapon systems, amid tensions with China. The exercises came after a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to "Taiwanese compatriots" in which he signalled a strong will to speed up "re-unification" with Taiwan and failed to rule out the use of force to achieve this goal. Taipei said the drills were aimed at enhancing combat readiness ahead of the Lunar New Year and hoped to put the Taiwanese public at ease before the long holiday starting on Lunar New Year eve on February 4th. "We are practicing wherever there could be war. We let our troops practice in different weather conditions and practice real-life situations over and over again in different places of warfare," the ministry of defence spokesman said, adding,"In this process, there was no brief or preparation, that is to say, by using this real-life approach, all troops can understand their roles and missions during war and steadily improve their abilities." Taiwan's air force, infantry and and navy took part during the drill, fending off a make-believe attack by hostile forces. Helicopters, tanks and rocket launchers could be seen firing off rounds of live ammunition, while Mirage fighter jets had their engines tested and were taken for a spin by pilots. Taiwan relies on its fleet of fighter jets to respond to increasing manoeuvres by Chinese air force around the island. "We are actively continuing the plan of having a self-sufficient national defence including developing domestic aircraft and submarines," the defence ministry spokesman informed. On Tuesday, a US government official had said the United States is closely watching Chinese intentions toward Taiwan, concerned that Beijing's growing military prowess may increase the risk it could one day consider bringing the self-ruled island under its control by force. Washington has no formal ties with Taiwan but is bound by law to help it defend itself and is the island’s main source of arms. The Pentagon says Washington has sold Taiwan more than $15 billion in weaponry since 2010.

Watch: Amid tensions with China, Taiwan conducts live fire drills simulating 'enemy invasion'

China has firmly opposed transferring <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-oppose-one-country-two-systems-taiwan-president-tsai-on-xis-china-reunification-plan-187906">technology to Taiwan to make submarines</a>, saying countries which have relations with Beijing should earnestly abide by the "one China" principle and stop any form of military links with Taipei.

Taiwan media had last year reported that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-says-taiwan-independence-would-be-disaster-calls-for-peaceful-reunification-187828">US State Department had approved the transfer</a> of technology that will allow Taiwan to produce its own submarines. There were reports that six foreign companies, including one from India, have already submitted design proposals for the submarines.&nbsp;

Among the six companies, there are two from Europe, two from the US, as well as an Indian company and a Japanese firm offering designs for the submarines, the Taiwan News reported in October last year.

According to the report, the designs would come up for approval by Taiwanese government in March this year. The report did not give details of the six companies from these countries.

Replying to a question from the official Chinese media here on Monday, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that China is firmly opposed to any country selling arms to Taiwan.

"China is firmly opposed to any country to have any military links with Taiwan. China is consistent and clear cut. The US and other countries fully recognise the sensitivity and the danger of this issue," she said.

China claims that Taiwan which broke away in 1949 is part of Chinese mainland and is opposed to any country having diplomatic contacts with Taipei.&nbsp;

Hua said the countries which have relations with China should earnestly abide by the one China principle and not to allow any enterprises to participate in the submarine programme of Taiwan and stop any form of military links with it.

"They should prudently and properly handle Taiwan related issues thus avoiding harming of bilateral relations and peace stability across the Taiwan straits," she said. &nbsp;

China has firmly opposed transferring technology to Taiwan to make submarines, saying countries which have relations with Beijing should earnestly abide by the "one China" principle and stop any form of military links with Taipei.

China has firmly opposed transferring technology to Taiwan to make submarines, saying countries which have relations with Beijing should earnestly abide by the "one China" principle and stop any form of military links with Taipei. Taiwan media had last year reported that the US State Department had approved the transfer of technology that will allow Taiwan to produce its own submarines. There were reports that six foreign companies, including one from India, have already submitted design proposals for the submarines. Among the six companies, there are two from Europe, two from the US, as well as an Indian company and a Japanese firm offering designs for the submarines, the Taiwan News reported in October last year. According to the report, the designs would come up for approval by Taiwanese government in March this year. The report did not give details of the six companies from these countries. Replying to a question from the official Chinese media here on Monday, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that China is firmly opposed to any country selling arms to Taiwan. "China is firmly opposed to any country to have any military links with Taiwan. China is consistent and clear cut. The US and other countries fully recognise the sensitivity and the danger of this issue," she said. China claims that Taiwan which broke away in 1949 is part of Chinese mainland and is opposed to any country having diplomatic contacts with Taipei. Hua said the countries which have relations with China should earnestly abide by the one China principle and not to allow any enterprises to participate in the submarine programme of Taiwan and stop any form of military links with it. "They should prudently and properly handle Taiwan related issues thus avoiding harming of bilateral relations and peace stability across the Taiwan straits," she said.

Opposed to any country to have military links with Taiwan, US and others fully recognise the sensitivity: China

China today expressed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-china-conducts-limited-live-fire-drills-in-taiwan-straits-131380">concern over US Naval ships</a> passing through Taiwan Straits.

"China has closely watched and has fully grasped the whole route of the United States warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait. China has already expressed our concerns to the United States," a foreign ministry spokesman said.

China had earlier expressed its dissatisfaction over US plans to sell a batch of military parts to the Taiwanese government. The United States sent two Naval ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday riling the Communist state.

The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations," the spokesman added.

The US plans to sell F-16 fighter and the C-130 cargo plane including US ship standard spare parts for several aircrafts, a move which was frowned upon by China recently. China had accused US of violating "international laws and norms governing foreign relations".

China considers Taiwan as one of its provinces and has been at loggerheads with the Taiwan government since the 1940s. The US and Taiwan have been close allies since the 1970S with Washington being a major arms supplier to the island nation.

"We urge the United States to respect the one-China principle and the provisions of the three joint communiqués, cautiously and appropriately handle the Taiwan issue, avoid damaging the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits and China-US relations," the spokesman added.

Taiwan has also been engaged in a bitter conflict with China over the South China Sea along with other nations insisting on "freedom of navigation", a move which was backed by US vice-president Mike Pence earlier.

Pence had said there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, referring to China's tiff with nations in the Pacific who have opposed China's South China Sea strategy.

The US has often called for a stop to the "militarization" of the South China Sea. The confrontation and conflict approach has marred US-China relations in recent months in the middle of an uncomfortable trade war.

China today expressed concern over US Naval ships passing through Taiwan Straits. "China has closely watched and has fully grasped the whole route of the United States warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait.

China today expressed concern over US Naval ships passing through Taiwan Straits. "China has closely watched and has fully grasped the whole route of the United States warships sailing through the Taiwan Strait. China has already expressed our concerns to the United States," a foreign ministry spokesman said. China had earlier expressed its dissatisfaction over US plans to sell a batch of military parts to the Taiwanese government. The United States sent two Naval ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday riling the Communist state. The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations," the spokesman added. The US plans to sell F-16 fighter and the C-130 cargo plane including US ship standard spare parts for several aircrafts, a move which was frowned upon by China recently. China had accused US of violating "international laws and norms governing foreign relations". China considers Taiwan as one of its provinces and has been at loggerheads with the Taiwan government since the 1940s. The US and Taiwan have been close allies since the 1970S with Washington being a major arms supplier to the island nation. "We urge the United States to respect the one-China principle and the provisions of the three joint communiqués, cautiously and appropriately handle the Taiwan issue, avoid damaging the peace and stability of the Taiwan Straits and China-US relations," the spokesman added. Taiwan has also been engaged in a bitter conflict with China over the South China Sea along with other nations insisting on "freedom of navigation", a move which was backed by US vice-president Mike Pence earlier. Pence had said there was no place for "empire and aggression" in the Indo-Pacific region, referring to China's tiff with nations in the Pacific who have opposed China's South China Sea strategy. The US has often called for a stop to the "militarization" of the South China Sea. The confrontation and conflict approach has marred US-China relations in recent months in the middle of an uncomfortable trade war.

We urge US to respect one-China principle and avoid damaging peace in Taiwan Straits: China

The United States today "disinvited" China from participating in annual maritime exercises in the Pacific due to "continued militarization of the South China Sea," the Pentagon said.

The US has been couducting drills in the South China Sea even as China has been conducting military drills in the area and taking part in defence excercise in the Taiwan Straits.&nbsp

"China's continued militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea only serve to raise tensions and destabilize the region," Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Chris Logan said.

Last week, China reportedly landed several aircrafts at an airfield in the South China Sea area prompting the US to declare that China was engaging in "continued militarisation of disputed features in the South China Sea".

China denied the US claim of "militarising". The area around the South China Sea is rich in oil and natural gas with several islands being claimed by Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia even as China has upped the ante with military drills.&nbsp

"We have disinvited the PLA Navy from the 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. China's behavior is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the RIMPAC exercise."

China has built several artificial islands in the disputed area fueling further tensions between countries who have accused it of playing brinkmanship.

China has built several artificial islands in the disputed area fueling further tensions between countries who have accused it of playing brinkmanship.

The United States today "disinvited" China from participating in annual maritime exercises in the Pacific due to "continued militarization of the South China Sea," the Pentagon said. The US has been couducting drills in the South China Sea even as China has been conducting military drills in the area and taking part in defence excercise in the Taiwan Straits. "China's continued militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea only serve to raise tensions and destabilize the region," Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Chris Logan said. Last week, China reportedly landed several aircrafts at an airfield in the South China Sea area prompting the US to declare that China was engaging in "continued militarisation of disputed features in the South China Sea". China denied the US claim of "militarising". The area around the South China Sea is rich in oil and natural gas with several islands being claimed by Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia even as China has upped the ante with military drills. "We have disinvited the PLA Navy from the 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. China's behavior is inconsistent with the principles and purposes of the RIMPAC exercise." China has built several artificial islands in the disputed area fueling further tensions between countries who have accused it of playing brinkmanship.

US 'disinvites' China from maritime exercise in the Pacific over South China Sea dispute

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