An overseas Chinese association in Washington D.C. on Monday expressed firm support for a newly passed anti-secession law in China.

The fact that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China has been widely recognized by countries across the world, said the National Association for Chinese Unification in Washington D.C.

No country in the world will tolerate acts that jeopardize its sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its core national interests, it said.

The law, adopted with an overwhelming vote of 2,896 to nil with two abstentions, is fair and reasonable, and reflects the common wishes of all Chinese people, with Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese included, it said.

The association believed the law will play an important role in safeguarding China's core national interests, promoting peaceful reunification, containing separatist activities in Taiwan and maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait.

In recent years, separatist activities in Taiwan have been rampant, the association said. Separatists in Taiwan reject the universally accepted "one China" principle and do their utmost to alienate Taiwan people from the Chinese mainland, it said.

The promulgation of the anti-secession law has set limits for separatists and guarantees that their separatist attempts will never succeed, the association said.

Contents of the law clearly show that, instead of a "war bill," it is a piece of well-meaning legislation for peace and demonstrates the determination of the Chinese government and people to do their utmost for peaceful reunification, it said.

The few separatists in Taiwan shall not be seen as representatives of the Taiwan people, the association said. All people against "Taiwan independence" will support the anti-secession law.

The association called on people across the Taiwan Strait to join hands to oppose "Taiwan independence," seek peaceful reunification and common development, and strive for an early rejuvenation of China.

China's National People's Congress on Monday passed the legislation which was signed into law by President Hu Jintao on the same day.