Chinese associations across the world continued on Wednesday to express their firm support for China's adoption of the Anti-Secession Law, intended to prevent the secession of Taiwan from China.

Li Ruihua, chairman of the Association of Chinese in Venezuela for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China, said at a seminar that the adoption of the law is necessary and well-timed, and is a powerful weapon to safeguard the country's unity.

"The law reflects the shared wish of the Chinese at home and abroad," said Feng Xuemao, chairman of the Chinese Federation in Venezuela. Overseas Chinese will join hands with fellow Chinese at home to safeguard the country's territorial integrity and firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" secessionist activities, he said.

In Amsterdam of the Netherlands, 28 Chinese associations signed a joint declaration to express their firm support for the law and the aspiration for China's peaceful reunification.

The law demonstrates the confidence and determination of the Chinese government and people to safeguard the country's unity and territorial integrity, the declaration said.

In the Swedish capital of Stockholm, representatives of Chinese associations and student unions in the country vowed to support the Anti-Secession Law and the Chinese government's policy on Taiwan.

This is a law for peace, the representatives said at a seminar. Instead of targeting the Taiwan people, the bill is targeting the separatists in Taiwan and aimed at sending them a grave warning, they said.

The Chinese people, Taiwan compatriots included, will never allow the secession of Taiwan from China. The timely adoption of the law provides a legal framework for the central government to check the separatist forces in Taiwan, they said.

In Kuwait, representatives of the local Chinese community said the two sides across the Taiwan Strait have long-standing exchanges and communication, and that the "blood-is-thicker-than-water" ties will never be shaken by the separatists.

The Chinese associations in Togo held a seminar shortly after the law was adopted, voicing their strong support for the bill.

The law has taken into full consideration of the interests of the Chinese people across the Taiwan Strait, they said. It is conducive to the stability across the Taiwan Strait and will be a strong guarantee to China's peaceful reunification, they said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 17, 2005)