[JURIST] AP is reporting that in its Monday session in Beijing China's National People's Congress has approved an anti-secession law authorizing the use of "non-peaceful means" against Taiwan as a last resort in reunification.

9:02 PM ET – China's Xinhua news agency now has more and has posted the full text of the anti-secession law in English as well as the Presidential order promulgating it immediately. The most controversial clause of the new legislation is Article 8:

In the event that the "Taiwan independence" secessionist forces should act under any name or by any means to cause the fact of Taiwan's secession from China, or that major incidents entailing Taiwan's secession from China should occur, orthat possibilities for a peaceful reunification should be completely exhausted, the state shall employ non-peaceful means and other necessary measures to protect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The State Council and the Central Military Commission shall decide on and execute the non-peaceful means and other necessary measures as provided for in the preceding paragraph and shall promptly report to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

In a related development, China Radio International reported late Sunday that Chinese President Hu Jintao had urged the Chinese army to perform an "historic mission", saying, according to a bulletin, that "the military should step up preparations for a possible military struggle….The President urged the country's armed forces to safeguard China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests and enhance their capability to cope with crises." CRI has more.