Russia ‘complies with China’s demands’ on Taiwan, says Taipei

Taiwan on Wednesday condemned Beijing and Moscow for a joint declaration qualifying the island as a party “inalienablefrom China, accusing Russia ofcomply with China’s demands“. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs solemnly protests and strongly condemns the authoritarian expansionist government (of China) which continues to make false declarations on the international stage to denigrate and undermine the sovereignty of our country.“Said the Taiwanese press release.

Taipei also condemned “Russia’s attempt to comply with China’s demands for its conspiracy of aggression and expansion“. Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for two days of talks on Monday and Tuesday. At the end of their talks, the leaders signed a joint statement in which they pledge to deepen their strategic partnership and affirm Russia’s support for China on the Taiwan issue.

“Russia opposes any form of Taiwan independence”

China claims the democratic and autonomous island of Taiwan as part of its territory which it wants to take back, by force if necessary. In the joint statement, Russia reaffirmed its adherence to the principle of “One Chinafrom Beijing, calling Taiwan “ainalienable part of Chinese territory“, according to the New China Agency. “(Russia) Opposes Any Form of “Taiwan Independence” and Strongly Supports China’s Measures to Safeguard its Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity“, underlines the statement.

Taiwan lives under constant threat of military action from the mainland and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened fears on the island that Beijing could attempt a similar offensive. In recent years, Beijing has stepped up military, economic and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, staging massive military drills around the island in 2022 that Taipei said were preparations for invasion.