Russia to support China if Taiwan contingency erupts
Russia will support China if a Taiwan contingency flares up, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with the country’s Tass news agency, as Beijing’s tensions with Japan continue to escalate over the issue.
Lavrov also said in the interview, released on Sunday, that Japan’s leadership is seeking to accelerate militarization, citing defense spending increases under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration, in remarks seen as a warning to Tokyo.
Procedure set forth
His comments come after Takaichi said in a parliamentary session in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially involving its defense forces in support of the United States.
“As for the possible escalation in the Taiwan Strait, the procedure for acting in such situations is set forth in a treaty with China,” Lavrov said. “One of the basic principles” is “mutual support in defending national unity and territorial integrity.”
China and Russia have conducted joint bomber flights repeatedly over the years, prompting Japan’s defense ministry to describe the moves as “clearly intended for demonstration of force against Japan.”
Communist-ruled China and Taiwan have been governed separately since 1949, following a civil war. Beijing views the democratic island as a renegade province to be unified with the mainland by force if necessary.
‘Militarization’
Lavrov was also quoted by Tass as saying Russia urges Japan to “weigh up” the possible consequences before resorting to any sudden decisions as it pursues a course toward militarization.
“Our Japanese neighbors should have weighted everything properly before taking any hasty decisions,” he said.
The government led by Takaichi, known as a hawkish lawmaker on national security, has pledged to strengthen Japan’s defense capabilities by boosting related spending, arguing that the geopolitical situation in the region has been deteriorating.
China has been exerting pressure on Japan to take back the statement of Takaichi.
