China's parliament has passed a contentious anti-secession bill that mandates the use of military force against Taiwan if the self-ruled island formally declares statehood.
China hopes the legislation, approved today to a lengthy ovation, will deter Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian from pushing for independence during his second and final term that ends in 2008, analysts say.
The National People's Congress passed the bill, which stipulates that China would only resort to "non-peaceful" means against Taiwan as a last resort, on a vote of 2,896 and two abstentions. President Hu Jintao quickly signed it.
Mr Chen has denounced it as a threat to regional security and sought to rally Taiwan against it.
Despite the legislation, analysts say the People's Liberation Army has no immediate plans to attack Taiwan, over which Beijing has claimed sovereignty since nationalist troops lost the Chinese civil war on the mainland and fled to the island in 1949.
The White House has asked China to reconsider its stance and President Chen's Democratic Progressive Party plans a 500,000-strong protest march later this month.
China also approved Tung Chee-hwa's resignation as Hong Kong chief executive and elected him as a top adviser to parliament, a face-saving promotion that allowed the unpopular leader a graceful exit after eight years in office.