China raised concerns over domestic unrest caused by separatist forces in Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang as well as attempts by other countries to contain its growing power.

Calls for independence have inflicted "serious damage" on national security and social stability, said Wen Bing, a researcher from the Academy of Military Science, echoing a key policy document on China's military and national security released Thursday.

Wen added that the disputes in the South China Sea also put pressure on China's maritime rights and interests.

Other countries' concerns about China's growing power have occurred in line with its rapid development, said Chen Zhou, another researcher from the Academy of Military Science.

The white paper also said other kinds of non-traditional security concerns, such as terrorism, energy supply, financial security and natural disasters, are on the rise.

But Wen said the overall security environment for China remains favorable. "Internationally, China has strengthened coordination and cooperation with major traditional powers and emerging countries," he said. "And its comprehensive national strength has stepped up to a new stage, providing a strong material foundation."