russia-opposes-taiwan-independence-in-any-form-lavrov

Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, reaffirmed Moscow’s support for China over the Taiwan issue, saying Russia is “against any form of independence for Taiwan”.

In his remarks published late on Sunday, Lavrov said his country’s position is “open and well known in the international community”, referring to Russia’s long-standing stance that the island is an integral part of China.

“Moscow recognises Taiwan as an integral part of China under the one nation, one system policy,” he further stated, and added, “We proceed from the premise that the Taiwan issue is an internal matter of the PRC (People’s Republic of China). Beijing has every legitimate basis for defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

When asked whether Russia would support China in case of a possible military confrontation over Taiwan, the top Russian diplomat categorically announced his country’s support for China “in protecting national unity and territorial integrity”.

Moscow and Beijing are old-time friends and ideological compatriots, putting up a united front against Western dominance. Both sides have signed strategic pacts since 2001, the most recent one renewed in 2021.

 

Also Read: China begins military drills in Taiwan Strait

On the souring Japan-China relations, Lavrov warned Japan’s government to avoid provocative rhetoric and suggested it dials down diplomatic tensions with China, saying “Tokyo has embarked on a course toward accelerated militarisation of the country”.

“The worst impact of this approach on regional stability could be significant. We urge the Japanese side to carefully assess the situation before making any rash decisions,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov’s remarks come at a time when tensions between the two neighbours have soared over remarks made by Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi on Taiwan in November, pertaining to a possible Chinese attack on Taiwan, which she said would legally constitute a “survival-threatening situation”, potentially allowing Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defence.

China responded by calling the comments unacceptable and warning of military action against Japan if they were not retracted.