Singapore defends anti-secession law, calling it a gesture of China's goodwill

Repeating "one China" position, Singapore said it understands China's need to enact an "anti-secession" law.

"Singapore understands the reason for China wanting to enact this law at this point in time," a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said in a statement published yesterday.

"From the briefing given by National People's Congress Standing Committee Deputy Chairman Wang Zhaoguo (王兆國), it would appear that the law restates China's known position against Taiwan independence with a strong emphasis on peaceful resolution," the statement said.

The proposed law made clear "non-peaceful" means were a last resort to be used if other avenues toward peaceful reunification failed.

The US has criticized the anti-secession legislation, with State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called on Beijing to reconsider its passage. Other officials have used stronger wording.

Taiwan's Ministry spokesman, Michel Lu (呂慶龍), said the government had conveyed its grave concerns to Washington.