The United States on Monday characterized a new Chinese law approving the use of force against Taiwan if the island formally declares independences as "unfortunate and not helpful". "We do view the adoption of the anti-secession law as something that is unfortunate and not helpful to encouraging peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said. "We don't believe anyone should be taking unilateral steps or make unilateral changes that increases tensions," he added. China adopted a revised "anti-secession" law Monday that authorizes the use of force against Taiwan if Taipei formally declares independence or indefinitely delays talks on eventual reunification. The law - approved by China's National People's Congress, the nominal parliament of the ruling Communist Party - was softened slightly to stress Beijing's commitment to "peaceful reunification" while still threatening the use of "non-peaceful means" to prevent Taiwan's formal independence. "This is a law for peaceful reunification," Premier Wen Jiabao told reporters. "It is not targeted against the people of Taiwan, nor is it a war bill." --SP 2336 Local Time 2036 GMT
