Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Moscow continues to support Beijing’s position on Taiwan, Russia’s state news agency TASS reported on Sunday.
The comments came during Shoigu’s visit to China, underscoring the close political and security ties that Moscow and Beijing have deepened in recent years. Russia and China declared a “no limits” strategic partnership days before President Vladimir Putin sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.
China regards democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Beijing has proposed a “one country, two systems” framework similar to that used in Hong Kong, although no major political party in Taiwan supports the model.
Moscow Reaffirms Backing On Taiwan
According to TASS, Shoigu said Russia firmly backs China on the Taiwan issue and criticised what he described as attempts to destabilise the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
“We see that China’s ill wishers continue to destabilise the situation in the Taiwan Strait,” Shoigu was quoted as saying. “For our part, I want to reaffirm our consistent and unwavering support for Beijing on the Taiwan issue.”
He added that Moscow recognises the government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate authority representing all of China. Russia has repeatedly stated that it opposes Taiwan’s independence in any form and considers the island an inseparable part of China.
Security Talks In Beijing
Shoigu, who previously served as Russia’s defence minister, arrived in China earlier on Sunday. Russia’s Security Council said he and Wang would hold discussions on security related matters, although no further details were provided.
The meeting reflects continued high level engagement between the two countries on strategic and defence issues, particularly at a time of heightened geopolitical tension involving both nations.
Shoigu last met Wang in December during a visit to Moscow, highlighting the regularity of contact between senior officials.
China Calls For Closer Coordination
China’s foreign ministry said Wang stressed the need for both countries to uphold multilateralism and work towards what he described as an equal and orderly multipolar world.
Wang said China and Russia have an obligation to maintain close communication on major issues affecting their bilateral relationship and to increase mutual support for each other’s core interests.
He added that China is willing to work with Russia this year to strengthen strategic communication, deepen coordination and further enhance bilateral ties, according to the ministry’s readout of the talks.
Talks Coincide With Ukraine Diplomacy
Shoigu’s visit comes as talks involving Russia, Ukraine and U.S. officials are under way, aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine, which is approaching its fourth year.
While Beijing has sought to position itself as a neutral party in the war, it has continued to deepen political and economic cooperation with Moscow. The reaffirmation of Russia’s support for China on Taiwan highlights how both countries continue to align on issues they describe as core national interests.
With inputs from Reuters
