MOFA response to China-Russia joint statement on their strategic partnership
March 22, 2023 Leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government Xi Jinping and President of the authoritarian Russian government Vladimir Putin on March 22 issued the Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era. In the statement, Russia “reaffirms its adherence to the one-China principle, recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China’s territory, opposes any form of Taiwan independence, and firmly supports measures taken by China to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan solemnly protests and strongly condemns the authoritarian, expansionist CCP government for continuously disseminating in the international arena false narratives that undermine Taiwan’s national sovereignty as well as Russia for falling in line behind China and acting in concert with China’s schemes for aggression and expansionism. MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other and that the CCP regime has never had the right to govern Taiwan for even a single day. Taiwan is a modern democracy that proactively defends democratic institutions and respects human rights and the rule of law. In contrast, the autocratic CCP government has for years violated human rights, willfully pursued expansion, and bullied neighboring countries. No statement by the CCP regime that is aimed at misrepresenting Taiwan’s sovereign status can change the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The China-Russia joint statement also mentions that the two sides “reaffirm their commitment to firmly upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms for international relations that are founded on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.” This is unequivocal duplicity. Russia blatantly violated the UN Charter with its illegal invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. And for years, China has engaged in unreasonable conduct, dispatching military aircraft and vessels to intimidate Taiwan and neighboring countries. Nevertheless, today, China and Russia spout lofty yet deceptive statements calling for the international community to abide by the UN Charter and prevent a humanitarian crisis. The serious harm caused by this collusion between authoritarian China and Russia to international peace and stability and the rules-based international order has elicited global concern. Taiwan stands on the front line of defense for the democratic community. The Taiwanese people and government will unite as one to collectively counter the rhetorical assault and military intimidation from communist China. Taiwan will strengthen cooperation with fellow democratic nations to deter authoritarian expansionism, preserve peace and security across the Taiwan Strait with an aim to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, and ensure a stable and prosperous world.
As an expert in international relations and geopolitical affairs, I bring a wealth of knowledge to analyze the intricate dynamics at play in the recent MOFA response to the China-Russia joint statement on their strategic partnership, dated March 22, 2023. My expertise stems from a comprehensive understanding of global politics, historical context, and diplomatic intricacies.
The joint statement issued by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin underscores the deepening cooperation between China and Russia, particularly emphasizing their commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The document reaffirms Russia's support for the one-China principle, declaring Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory, and opposing any form of Taiwan independence. This aligns with China's longstanding stance on Taiwan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan, however, issues a stern protest and condemnation, accusing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government of disseminating false narratives internationally that undermine Taiwan's national sovereignty. This accusation is rooted in the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Taiwan and mainland China, reflecting the complex historical and political context of the Taiwan Strait.
MOFA reiterates the autonomy of Taiwan as a modern democracy that actively defends democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. This assertion is a direct response to the CCP regime's claims of authority over Taiwan, emphasizing the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
The joint statement further emphasizes China and Russia's commitment to upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, based on international law and the UN Charter's principles. However, Taiwan accuses both nations of duplicity, highlighting Russia's violation of the UN Charter through its invasion of Ukraine and China's history of engaging in aggressive behavior, particularly toward Taiwan and neighboring countries.
The narrative presented by Taiwan positions itself as a defender of democratic values on the front line, uniting its people and government against what it perceives as rhetorical assaults and military intimidation from communist China. Taiwan expresses its determination to strengthen cooperation with fellow democratic nations to counteract authoritarian expansionism, aiming to maintain peace and security in the Taiwan Strait, contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and ensure global stability and prosperity.
In conclusion, the MOFA response to the China-Russia joint statement reflects the complex interplay of historical tensions, geopolitical maneuvers, and contrasting political ideologies. The analysis of this situation requires a nuanced understanding of international relations, regional dynamics, and the specific historical context of Taiwan's relationship with China.
