MOFA: Sino-Russian Joint Statement Denigrates Taiwan's Sovereignty, Undermines Peace and Stability

(CNA, Taipei, May 21, by reporter Yang Yao-ju) Russia and China signed a joint statement reaffirming the 'One China Principle.' Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sternly refuted the erroneous remarks that seriously denigrate Taiwan's sovereignty and reiterated that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other. Any attempt to distort Taiwan's sovereign status is a bullying act that undermines international peace and stability. After Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China and meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 20th, the two sides issued the "Joint Statement of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination, Deepening Good-Neighborly and Friendly Cooperation." The statement emphasized that the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 cannot be challenged and that Russia abides by the 'One China Principle.' In the afternoon, MOFA issued a press release to sternly condemn the statement for departing from facts and seriously harming Taiwan's sovereignty. MOFA also expressed deep regret over the People's Republic of China government's actions of forming cliques internationally and continuously issuing erroneous remarks that denigrate Taiwan's sovereignty and create tension in the Taiwan Strait, as well as Russia's renewed subservience to China's authoritarianism. MOFA reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and has never been subordinate to the People's Republic of China. Any narrative intended to distort Taiwan's sovereign status is a bullying act that undermines international peace and stability, and no amount of lies can change the cross-strait status quo recognized by the international community. MOFA welcomes allied nations' continued concern for the Taiwan Strait issue in international forums and their firm stance in support of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities and the resilience of its entire society, and work closely with allied nations to jointly ensure the freedom, openness, peace, and prosperity of Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. (Editor: Lin Hsing-meng) 1150521