On Monday Russia said that China had the right to respond to what it called repeated “provocations” against it and carry out military exercises around Taiwan.
China on Monday carried out the last of three days of drills around Taiwan – including practicing aerial and naval blockade maneuvers – which China considers as part of its territory, something Taiwan’s government strongly disputes.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said everyone should respect China and its actions which were in line with international law.
In a very short period of time, you and I have witnessed repeated actions that have been provocative toward the People’s Republic of China. And, of course, China has the sovereign right to respond to these provocative actions, including conducting military maneuvers in strict compliance with international law.”
Peskov said
Peskov also suggested that France, whose president Emmanuel Macron visited China for talks last week, could not broker peace in Ukraine as Paris is both indirectly and directly involved in this conflict on the side of Ukraine. Therefore, it is still difficult to imagine any mediation efforts here.
During his trip, Macron called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to “bring Russia back to its senses” over Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the European Union expressed concern on Monday over China’s military drills, saying Taiwan’s status should not be changed by force as any escalation, accident, or use of force there would have huge global implications.
We are concerned by the intensification of military activities of the People’s Liberation Army in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan, with incursions in Taiwanese Air Defense Identification Zone and crossing of the median line.
The status quo should not be changed unilaterally or by force. Any instability in the Strait resulting from escalation, accident or use of force would have huge economic and security implications for the region and globally.
It is key to exercise restraint. Tensions should be resolved through a meaningful and open dialogue. The EU and its member states will continue supporting efforts aiming to preserve peace and stability in the region.”
EU Commission spokeswoman for foreign affairs Nabila Massrali said.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told media in Beijing that the military exercises were a “necessary step to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
He said pro-independence forces and foreign forces working in league with them in the Taiwan Strait are the “greatest threat to peace and stability”.
He reiterated that Taiwan is a “purely internal China affair”.
