Russia’s Lavrov Affirms Support for China on Taiwan and Other Matters, According to Reuters

(Reuters) – Russia aligns closely with China on Asian matters, particularly in criticizing efforts by the U.S. to extend its influence and purportedly exacerbate tensions surrounding Taiwan, according to an interview with the Russian foreign minister published on Thursday.

Sergei Lavrov, in an article featured in the government newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta, commended Beijing’s stance on the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing that both nations aim to address the underlying issues that Moscow attributes to the conflict.

In his remarks celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, Lavrov noted the two countries share similar views on the risks posed by Western advances in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The United States and its allies are intentionally escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait,” Lavrov stated. “In contravention of the ‘One China’ principle that they acknowledge, they are bolstering relationships with the administration on the island. Russia’s stance on Taiwan remains consistent, supporting China’s territorial integrity at various levels, including top officials.”

This refers to a fundamental policy of the Chinese government, which asserts that Taiwan is a part of China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently pledged to unify Taiwan with mainland China, even by force if deemed necessary. The Taiwanese government contests Beijing’s claims, stating that only the people of Taiwan can determine their future.

In a recent speech, Xi reaffirmed that Taiwan is an integral aspect of China’s territory and vowed to “resolutely oppose any separatist moves advocating for ‘Taiwan independence’.” He also stated that “complete national reunification (with Taiwan) is an unstoppable trend,” according to reports.

This week, U.S. President Joe Biden approved $567 million in defense assistance for Taiwan, reaffirming Washington’s role as the island’s key international supporter and arms supplier despite the absence of official diplomatic ties. China has consistently urged the U.S. to cease arms sales to Taiwan.

In his statements to Rossiiskaya Gazeta, Lavrov claimed that the security framework in Europe and Euro-Atlantic regions has been “entirely discredited” by the United States and NATO. He called for a “new architecture for Eurasian security,” advocating for “regional solutions to regional issues.”

Lavrov also acknowledged China’s “balanced and consistent” approach to the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that its initiatives rightly call for addressing the root causes of the conflict, such as NATO’s eastward expansion and the establishment of an “anti-Russian military stronghold in Ukraine.”

China and Brazil are working together on a peace initiative that includes a conference with invitations extended to both Ukraine and Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has dismissed this proposal, promoting his own “victory plan,” which emphasizes the restoration of Ukraine’s borders as they were in 1991 post-Soviet disintegration.