BEIJIJNG, Mar. 10 -- China has slammed as "irresponsible" US criticism of its new anti-secession legislation, and urged Washington not to "embolden" Taiwanese separatists.

　　"We oppose their statements. We believe they should not make such irresponsible remarks about China's legislative action," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said at the ministry's press briefing on Thursday, March 10.

　　"We request the US side abide by the standards of international relations, understand and support China's legislative actions and not do anything to embolden Taiwan independence forces or harm Sino-US relations," Kong told a regular briefing.

　　The United States Tuesday said the anti-secession law was "unhelpful" and urged Beijing to reconsider the measure.

　　Under the proposed law, "non-peaceful means" will be used only as a "last resort" when all efforts to seek a peaceful reunification prove to be futile.