TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The foreign ministry rejected China’s claims over Taiwan in its recent joint statements with Russia and Belarus.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang (李強) visited Russia and Belarus from Aug. 20 to 23, during which both Russia and Belarus reaffirmed their commitment to the "one China” principle.
The ministry said in a press release that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to one another and that the Chinese Communist regime has never governed Taiwan. No false claim about Taiwan's sovereignty can alter the internationally recognized status quo in the Taiwan Strait, it said.
China's continued intimidation of Taiwan, along with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has caused immense suffering, the ministry said. “The alliance of China, Russia, and Belarus undermines the rules-based international order and has become the greatest threat to global peace and stability,” it said.
Taiwan is on the strategic frontline of defending democracy in the region and remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, the ministry said. Taiwan will strengthen cooperation with like-minded partners to ensure peace and stability in the strait, it said.
In Russia, Li met with Russian Foreign Minister Mikhail Mishustin, emphasizing that China was eager to boost cooperation in economy and trade. He said bilateral ties did not “target any third party,” per CNN.
Li later held talks with Belarus Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko in Minsk, where the two agreed to collaborate on trade and security, according to Reuters.
The joint statements come as China continues pressuring Taiwan’s diplomatic allies to switch recognition in return for economic benefits. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. recently revealed Beijing has promised increased Chinese tourism to the Pacific Island nation in exchange for breaking ties with Taiwan.
