Russia again described Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, opposing ‘Taiwan’s independence’

Moscow, 31 December. Russia has opposed any form of ‘Taiwan independence’, considering Taiwan an inalienable part of China. The Russian Foreign Ministry clarified its stance in a statement. According to Xinhua news agency, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in the statement that some countries advocate maintaining the status quo while claiming to adhere to the ‘one-China principle’, which is contrary to China’s principle of national unification.

Xinhua quoted the ministry as saying that the Taiwan issue is currently being used by some countries as a weapon of military and strategic encirclement against China. It said that Russia’s principled position on the Taiwan issue is well-known, unchanged and has been repeatedly confirmed at the highest levels. The statement further said that the Taiwan issue is China’s internal matter and China has every legitimate basis to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Meanwhile, according to a report submitted to Congress by the US Defense Department, China is increasing its military capability to capture Taiwan and aims to be ready for war by 2027. The report said the People’s Liberation Army has made ‘steady progress’ towards its 2027 goals. One of those goals is the ability to achieve a ‘strategic decisive victory’ over Taiwan.

The report said that China models its military plans in line with those of the United States. The PLA views Washington as a ‘strong enemy’ that it must be able to defeat. Beijing’s strategy on Taiwan has also evolved. The report said that China no longer focuses only on preventing freedom. Instead, it exerts persistent pressure on Taipei to force unification on Beijing’s terms. This pressure includes military activity, diplomacy, economic steps and information campaigns. Furthermore, these tools together aim to weaken Taiwan’s resistance.