In its latest military policy paper, China said on Friday it will strengthen its ability to block Taiwan from pursuing independence, complained about US arms sales to the self-ruled island, and tried to quell foreign unease about its rapid military buildup.

The government said it will also focus on strengthening its ability to police its borders and territorial waters, cracking down on terrorism and modernising its weapons.

“China will not engage in any arms race or pose a military threat,” the 91-page white paper said. “China is determined to remain a staunch force for global peace, security and stability.”

Its reported 2006 budget is 283.8 billion yuan (US$35.3 billion), but the Pentagon believes the true figure, which doesn’t include weapons purchases and other key items, is several times higher. In comparison, US President George W Bush has signed a bill authorising US$532.8 billion in defence spending for the 2007 fiscal year that began Oct 1.

One of Beijing’s key short-term goals has been to back up its threat to invade Taiwan if the self-ruled island makes its de facto independence permanent. The two sides split amid civil war in 1949 but the mainland claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has hundreds of missiles pointed in its direction across the Taiwan Strait.

China has also spent heavily to beef up its arsenal with submarines, jet fighters and other high-tech weapons.

“The struggle to oppose and contain separatist forces for Taiwan’s independence and their activities remains a hard one,” said the report from the State Council, China’s Cabinet.

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