The Chinese Parliament has passed a controversial law which would authorise the use of military force if Taiwan declares formal independence from the mainland.
Delegates to the National People's Congress approved the measure unanimously at an annual session in Beijing.
Taiwan has been an independent state - in all but name - since the victory of the communists in the mainland in 1949.
However, most countries operate a so-called One China Policy which acknowledges Beijing's claim over the island.
The Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao, said the law was aimed at strengthening relations and was not a war bill.
Taiwan and the United States have already condemned the move.
The US Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, said unilateral steps to change the status quo would not help.
