China on Tuesday issued a white paper on national defense elaborating its new security concept and peacetime employment of armed forces.

The document, the eighth of its kind issued by the Chinese Government since 1998, says China advocates a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination, and pursues comprehensive security, common security and cooperative security.

It's the first time for China to release a defense White Paper on a specific issue. Senior Captain Zhang Junshe, Vice Prresident of the Naval Research Institute, shares his thoughts on the content.

Q1: The white paper announces the 18 joint corps (pronounced core) of the Chinese Army. This is the first. What can you tell us about that?

Q2: According to the White Paper, China will prepare for all possible nuclear threats, and will strike back. How is this announcement likely to affect the current world situation?

Q3: The White Paper mentions that China is facing complex threats and challenges. Can you tell us more about those challenges?

(CNTV.cn April 16, 2013)