The most senior general in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) said on Tuesday that the military would block any effort made by Taiwan to formalize its independence, AP reported. According to state media, General Guo Boxiong told military delegates to the National People's Congress that the army would "effectively perform our glorious mission of safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the will of the motherland and the wishes of the people". The remarks came the day after Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian said directly that the island should be independent. Guo also asked PLA soldiers for a heightened sense of urgency, calling on them to "get well-prepared for military struggle". It is not thought he was referring to a particular event.