Russia backs China against US in Asia-Pacific tensions
Lavrov praises China's stance on Ukraine, criticises US policies in Asia-Pacific
Russia aligns with China on Asian matters, including opposing the U.S. push to extend its influence and efforts to escalate the situation around Taiwan, stated Russia’s foreign minister on Thursday. Sergei Lavrov, in an essay for Rossiiskaya Gazeta, commended Beijing’s stance on the Ukraine conflict and mentioned that both nations aim to address the issues Moscow claims are the root causes of the war.
In honour of the 75th anniversary of Russia-China diplomatic relations, Lavrov highlighted the shared perspective of Moscow and Beijing on the risks posed by Western expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. “The United States and its allies intentionally provoke tensions in the Taiwan Strait,” Lavrov wrote. He criticised U.S. actions that violate the ‘One China’ policy, which the U.S. acknowledges, by strengthening ties with Taiwan’s authorities. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s unwavering support for China’s territorial integrity concerning Taiwan, expressed at various levels of government.
The ‘One China’ principle asserts that Taiwan is part of China, a stance repeatedly emphasised by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has vowed to reunify Taiwan with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan’s government, however, maintains that only its people have the right to decide their future. Xi recently reaffirmed that Taiwan is an integral part of China and pledged to oppose any separatist movements advocating for Taiwan independence, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Russia’s Lavrov Says Stands Alongside China on Taiwan, Other Issues https://t.co/GroPrDdyES
— The Japan News (@The_Japan_News) October 3, 2024
This week, U.S. President Joe Biden approved $567 million in defence aid for Taiwan. Despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, Washington remains Taiwan’s primary international supporter and arms supplier. China has consistently called on the U.S. to cease its arms sales to Taiwan.
Lavrov, in his remarks to Rossiiskaya Gazeta, criticised the security system in Europe and Euro-Atlantic affairs, accusing the United States and NATO of discrediting it completely. He advocated for a “new architecture for Eurasian security” based on resolving regional problems with regional solutions.
Lavrov lauded China’s “balanced and consistent” approach to the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating that its initiatives rightly address the root causes, including NATO’s eastward expansion and the establishment of an “anti-Russian military bridgehead in Ukraine”. China and Brazil have proposed a peace plan centred on a conference involving both Ukraine and Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has rejected this proposal, instead promoting his own “victory plan” and insisting on the restoration of Ukraine’s post-Soviet 1991 borders.
What Other Media Are Saying
- MOFA strongly denounces Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov’s false claims that Taiwan is part of China, emphasizing Taiwan’s democratic sovereignty and resistance to authoritarian expansionism.(read more)
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace explores how Russia’s strategic interests and capabilities might influence its support for China in a hypothetical war over Taiwan, highlighting the complexities of their partnership.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is Russia’s stance on the ‘One China’ policy?
Russia supports China’s ‘One China’ policy, recognizing Taiwan as part of China.
How does Russia view the U.S. influence in the Asia-Pacific region?
Russia criticizes the U.S. drive to extend its influence and believes it stirs up the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
What did Lavrov say about China’s position on the Ukraine war?
Lavrov praised China’s ‘balanced and consistent’ approach to the Ukraine war.
What is Lavrov’s view on European security?
Lavrov believes the security system in Europe has been ‘fully discredited’ by the U.S. and NATO.
What is China’s stance on Taiwan independence?
They opposes any separatist activities seeking Taiwan independence and vows to achieve national reunification.
