MANILA, March 15 (Xinhuanet) -- All Filipino-Chinese associations here have expressed their firm support for the adoption of the Anti-Secession Law by the National People's Congress of China, according to local reports on Tuesday.

The associations include the Union of All Filipino-Chinese Societies, the Filipino-Chinese Union of Liaison and Friendship, the Philippine Association for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China and their affiliate associations.

The associations said in a joint statement that the law conforms with the interests of all the Taiwan compatriots.

They also praised the law for encouraging exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait in the fields of economy, science, culture, education, health and sports, and for promoting the heritage and traditions of Chinese culture.

Among the associations, the Union of All Filipino-Chinese Societies said the adoption of the Anti-Secession law is well-timed and necessary to stop those seeking "Taiwan independence" and to promote peaceful reunification of the motherland.

"The law is conducive to the maintenance of peace and stabilityin the Taiwan Strait, protection of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the ultimate interests of China," it said.