Taiwan's Defense Ministry says China's military buildup and modernization is aimed directly at the island.

A Taiwanese Defense Ministry spokesman made the comments Tuesday one day after China released a white paper on national defense.

China's Information Office of the State Council said the white paper is intended to illustrate China's national defense policies and the progress made in national defense over the past two years.

Taiwanese Defense Ministry spokesman Wang Shih-chien says the white paper shows that China is emphasizing the buildup of its air and amphibious forces, proving that Beijing is targeting the island.

The Chinese policy document threatens to crush any attempt by Taiwan to become independent. Beijing considers the island part of its territory.