Defence ministry spokesman Hu Changming highlighted the three areas as he outlined the nation's top military priorities, and warned their actions would not be tolerated.

"Taiwan independence, East Turkestan, Tibetan independence and other separatist forces form a major security threat to the unity of the nation and a challenge to our security organs," Hu said.

"On these issues there can be no compromise and no tolerance."

Hu was speaking at the launch of "China's National Defence in 2008," a policy paper in which Beijing pledged to maintain "a purely defensive" policy in its robust military build up.

China and Taiwan split in 1949 after retreating Nationalist forces fled to the island at the end of a civil war.

The mainland's communist rulers have since viewed Taiwan as a breakaway territory awaiting unification, by force if necessary.

China also insists it faces an independence movement in Tibet and forces trying to reestablish a short-lived East Turkestan republic in its western-most Xinjiang region, which is heavily populated by ethnic Uighur Muslims.

"These problems are all linked to the fundamental interests of our people and the core interests of the nation," Hu said.

"The People's Liberation Army will resolutely uphold the sacred task of safeguarding state sovereignty, security and territorial integrity."

China's military was last year called in to quell violent protests by Tibetans who have long complained of widespread political and religious repression under Chinese rule.

Security remains extremely tight in the Himalayan region, and also in Xinjiang where, according to the Chinese government, Muslim extremists carried out deadly attacks on police and civilians last year.

But Hu said that a recent warming between Beijing and Taiwan offered a good opportunity for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to begin seeking to establish military exchanges.

"To discuss the establishment of a mutual trust mechanism in military affairs is in the interests of reducing military security concerns and in helping promote stability across the strait," Hu said.

As part of a rapprochement that began with the election of China-friendly Ma Ying-jeou as Taiwan's president last year, the two sides in December launched direct daily flights, postal and shipping services.

Related Links
China News from SinoDaily.com

Memory Foam Mattress Review

SPACE MEDIA NETWORK PROMOTIONS Solar Energy Solutions Tempur-Pedic Mattress Comparison ... Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News