February 9, 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his adherence to the so-called “one China principle” and opposition to Taiwan’s provocations against China during a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on February 8. Meanwhile, in an interview with Russia’s state news agency TASS, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko falsely claimed that the United States used Taiwan as a tool to pressure Beijing, that the situation across the Taiwan Strait was China’s internal matter, and that Taiwan was an integral part of China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) solemnly denounces these claims and strongly condemns China and Russia for colluding once again to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty.
MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other and that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime has never governed Taiwan. Taiwan is a modern democracy that actively defends the democratic system and respects human rights and the rule of law. No narrative by totalitarian China and Russia that misrepresents Taiwan’s sovereign status can alter the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
The autocratic CCP government for years has violated human rights, wantonly pursued expansion, and bullied neighboring countries, while Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine has caused great suffering among the Ukrainian people. China and Russia have continuously connived to disrupt the rules-based international order in recent years, forming a source of instability and turmoil in the world.
Taiwan is on the front line of defense for the democratic camp. The people and government of Taiwan are united in staunchly safeguarding national sovereignty and countering communist China’s rhetorical campaigns and military intimidation. Taiwan will continue to enhance cooperation with other democratic nations to deter authoritarian expansion and to preserve peace and security across the Taiwan Strait, freedom and openness in the Indo-Pacific, and stability and prosperity around the globe.