MOSCOW, March 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Russia understands China's Anti-Secession Law on resolving the Taiwan issue, the Russian foreign ministry said here Monday.

    "We understand the motives behind the Chinese parliament's decision to pass this law," the ministry said in a statement issued shortly after the Anti-Secession Law was ratified by the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, by 2,896 votes in favour, zero against and two abstentions.

    "It is extremely important that the law documents the Chinese government's main principle -- the unconditional priority of usingpeaceful methods for the Motherland's unification within the framework of 'one country, two systems' policy, and declares (China's) readiness to do the utmost with maximum sincerity for peaceful reunification," the statement said.

    Russia adheres to its basic position on the Taiwan issue, believing that China is a single state entity with Taiwan being its inseparable part, said the statement.

    Moscow opposes Taiwan's independence in whatever form and rejects the concept of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan," the statement said.

    The statement reaffirmed that Russia views the Taiwan issue as China's internal affair.

    A mutually acceptable agreement on the Taiwan issue reached by the parties concerned as early as possible would reflect China's core interests on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, and meet the goal of strengthening peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, the Russian foreign ministry statement added.

    Earlier on Monday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told a press conference in Beijing that the Anti-Secession Law "is not a law ofwar but one for the peaceful reunification of the motherland."

    "It is not a law intended to change the status quo that both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to one China, but one conduciveto peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," Wen said. Enditem