September 16, 2022
Regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin restating the “one China principle” and condemning US provocations in the Taiwan Strait in a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, MOFA solemnly responds as follows:
On September 15, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Uzbekistan. President Putin reiterated his adherence to the “one China principle” and condemned provocations staged by the United States in the Taiwan Strait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) strongly protests President Putin’s deceitful remarks. MOFA firmly condemns Russia for following the authoritarian and expansionist Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government in continuing to make false statements in the international arena that degrade Taiwan’s sovereignty.
MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. There are huge differences between the two sides in terms of democracy, freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and other aspects. The CCP regime has never governed democratic Taiwan for even one day. This is a long-standing fact and the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No matter how the CCP regime seeks to distort reality, nothing can change this objective truth.
Since launching its illegal invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been sanctioned by the international community. However, there has been a sharp increase in economic and trade activity between China and Russia. China is helping maintain Russia’s economic stability. This is why Russia is ingratiating itself with China by repeating its absurd remarks, false statements, and other untruths that degrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. This is extremely objectionable and unacceptable to Taiwan. China continuously threatens Taiwan’s national security, attempts to unilaterally change the cross-strait status-quo, and practices expansionism. It finds solace internationally by cozying up to Russian invaders and even claims that those who maintain peace and the status quo are engaged in provocation. This clearly demonstrates the threat that the China-Russia authoritarian alliance poses to international peace, stability, freedom, and democracy. MOFA urges the international community to jointly condemn the CCP’s intimidation of Taiwan and curb authoritarian expansion.
Taiwan stands on the front line of the world’s defense of democracy and is willing to collaborate with all like-minded countries that are committed to safeguarding the values of democracy and freedom. Taiwan welcomes visits by international friends who oppose authoritarian intimidation and support Taiwan. The government and people of Taiwan are confident that help will come to those who help themselves. Taiwan’s citizens are united in their resistance to China’s rhetorical and military threats. Taiwan will bolster cooperation with the democratic community, including the United States, to solidify the justified strengthening of international support for Taiwan. We will staunchly defend cross-strait security, the common values of freedom and democracy, and the rules-based international order. In fulfilling its duties as a member of the international community, Taiwan will jointly safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific region and ensure global peace, stability, and prosperity.