China's State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan stressed the importance of anti-secession on Tuesday, saying it is the most urgent task for all Chinese to oppose the "Taiwan independence" secessionist attempts.

Tang made the remarks when meeting a visiting group of the Coalition for Peaceful Unification of China in southern California Tuesday.

"During the past few years, with concerted efforts by compatriots on both Taiwan and the mainland, the cross-Straits relationship has been developing toward peace and stability," said Tang.

However, he warned, the secessionists and their activities are the biggest obstacles to the development of cross-Straits relations and are threatening the peace and stability of the region.

Tang called for redoubled efforts to promote the relations so as to achieve national reunification as early as possible.

The coalition in southern California was set up in October 2000, aiming to boost exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland.

(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2006)