It indirectly criticised the US for promising Beijing that it will adhere to the “one-China” policy, “but it continues to sell weapons to Taiwan, and has strengthened military ties with Taiwan.”

Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979 but remains Taiwan’s major foreign backer, and is committed by law to providing it weapons to defend itself against possible Chinese attack.

China has announced double-digit military spending increases nearly every year since the early 1990s, causing unease among its neighbours.

“This increase... is compensatory in nature, and is designed to enhance the originally weak defence found-ation,” said the white paper, which is issued every two years. “It is a moderate increase in step with China’s economic development.”

—AUDRA ANG