Azerbaijan reiterates one-China policy and Taiwan election stance

Azerbaijan has reiterated its position on Taiwan by stating that Baku does not recognize Taiwan’s independence and did not acknowledge the results of the elections conducted on the island. This stance was communicated through a formal message issued on the website of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry made clear that Azerbaijan endorses the one-China policy and regards Taiwan as part of China’s sovereign territory in line with widely observed international norms. The message emphasized that Azerbaijan does not recognize Taiwan’s independence and condemned the elections as they relate to Beijing’s territorial claims, underscoring that the country views any interference in China’s internal affairs as inappropriate and unacceptable. The explanation reflects Azerbaijan’s long-standing commitment to controlling external commentary on China’s internal political processes while maintaining a careful and non-interfering posture toward regional stability. The public statement therefore reinforces a principle that guides Azerbaijan’s diplomatic engagements with major powers and regional neighbors alike. According to the Central News Agency report cited by Azerbaijani officials, Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party experienced a significant shift in parliamentary representation during the island’s recent electoral contests. The report indicated that the DPP lost 11 seats in the Legislative Yuan, signaling a reconfiguration of the party landscape as observed by observers and media outlets covering Taiwan politics. In the same electoral round, the Kuomintang party, which has traditionally favored more dialogue with mainland China, secured 52 seats, while the Taiwan People’s Party held eight seats. These results illustrate a roughly three-way balance of power within Taiwan’s legislature and highlight ongoing debates about cross-strait relations, policy direction, and governance priorities amid competing visions for Taiwan’s future. On January 13, Taiwan conducted elections to select the executive leadership and members of the Legislative Yuan, a process that drew international attention given the island’s sensitive status in cross-strait relations. The Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Qingde emerged as the leading figure in the executive branch, a development that was anticipated by analysts familiar with Taiwan’s domestic political dynamics and its impact on regional security considerations. The electoral outcome continues to shape discussions about Taiwan’s strategic posture, security guarantees, and the island’s broader relationship with Beijing, with implications for political dialogue, international diplomacy, and regional stability. Analysts noted that the election results have implications for Taiwan’s stance on independence advocacy, the pace of democratization within the island, and the degree of cooperation with foreign partners. The broader international discourse on Taiwan touched on the U.S. military assistance to Taiwan, a topic that remains a source of tension in cross-strait affairs. Observers emphasized that any discussion of military support is part of a wider set of dynamics involving security commitments, deterrence considerations, and diplomatic signaling among regional actors. The Azerbaijani position, however, remains consistent with its declared policy priorities and its commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, particularly in matters that could affect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a neighboring nation. The overall synthesis of these developments shows that while Taiwan continues to navigate domestic political changes and external pressures, countries worldwide are watching how cross-strait policies evolve and how allied and partner nations align with the evolving system of regional security and diplomatic practice. The situation underscores the importance of clear, principled foreign policy statements that avoid entanglement in internal rivalries while supporting peaceful dialogue and stability in the region, a stance that many governments, including Azerbaijan, prefer to uphold in their international communications and diplomatic posture.