World war "unlikely" in foreseeable future: white paper

A world war is unlikely in the foreseeable future and the international situation is expected to remain generally peaceful, according to a white paper issued Tuesday by the State Council Information Office.

Historic changes are taking place in the balance of power, global governance structure, Asia-Pacific geostrategic landscape, and international competition in the economic, scientific and technological, and military fields, says the white paper titled "China's Military Strategy."

The forces for world peace are on the rise, so are the factors against war, it says.

The white paper, however, also notes new threats from hegemonism, power politics and neo-interventionism.

International competition for the redistribution of power, rights and interests is tending to intensify. Terrorist activities are growing increasingly worrisome. Hotspot issues, such as ethnic, religious, border and territorial disputes, are complex and volatile, according to the white paper.

Small-scale wars, conflicts and crises are recurrent in some regions. Therefore, the world still faces both immediate and potential threats of local wars, it says. Endi