Anti-Secession Law
In March 2005, China passed the Anti-Secession Law which prevents Taiwan from declaring independence. Venezuela was one of the few Latin American countries to support China's actions saying that the law is fully in accordance with the basic principles of the UN Charter. The Chávez government also added that Venezuela will stick to the "one-China" principle and support China's efforts in achieving territorial integrity and national reunification. According to Foreign Minister Alí Rodríguez Araque, the adoption of the law will contribute strengthening ties across the Taiwan Straits and also opening a channel for peaceful reunification through direct talks between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.