China refuses to 'renounce the use of force' over Taiwan

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning says that although China will strive for peaceful reunification with Taiwan it will not promise to "renounce the use of force".

The comments come after a senior US Air Force general warned of a conflict with China as early as 2025 –- most likely over Taiwan –- and urged his commanders to push their units to achieve maximum operational battle readiness this year.