Putin: “China does not need to use force with Taiwan”

China “does not need to use force” for the desired “reunification” with Taiwan. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an interview with CNBC, cited President Xi Jinping’s recent comments suggesting the possibility of peaceful reunification and Beijing’s “philosophy of the state” that there is no threat of military confrontation.

“I think China does not need to use force: it is a huge powerful economy and, in terms of purchasing parity, it is number one in the world ahead of the US. By increasing this economic potential it is able to achieve its goals. nationals. I don’t see any threats. “

Russia’s established position on Taiwan, which is considered part of China, was reiterated on Tuesday by Foreign Minister Serghei Lavrov. “For us, as for the vast majority of other countries, the island belongs to China. And this is the premise from which we proceed and will continue to proceed in our policy in this regard,” Lavrov stressed.

Xi last week vowed to fulfill his goal of returning the rebel island to Beijing’s control by peaceful means, after a week of latent tensions in the region, ensuring that reunification would be achieved. Beijing sees Taiwan as a separatist province, while Taipei already feels independent under the name of the Republic of China after separating from the mainland in 1949 following the long civil war. President Tsai Ing-wen herself responded to Xi in a speech on Sunday, announcing that her government will invest in strengthening its military capabilities in order to “demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves”.

Putin also addressed tense reports on the South China Sea during the interview, where Russia has tried to maintain a neutral stance towards China’s longstanding claims of nearly 90 percent of the areas. ” South China Sea, yes, there are some conflicting and contradictory interests, but Russia’s position is based on the fact that we must provide an opportunity for all countries in the region, without interference from non-regional powers, to have a proper conversation based on the fundamental norms of international law, “Putin said. “It should be a negotiation process, this is how we should resolve any dispute, and I believe there is potential for that, but so far it hasn’t been fully utilized.”