USA vs friendship
In Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, the Southeast Asian Nations League summit took place with the participation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. On the sidelines, he met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation within ASEAN, ARF, and EAS formats and covered a range of current issues on the regional and international agenda, as reported by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministers reviewed the trajectory of Russian-Chinese relations, celebrated the strength of bilateral cooperation on the international stage, and touched on reform discussions within major international organizations. The meeting also reflected on the recent visit of the United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan.
Lavrov offered a pointed critique, noting that the United States seeks to expand its influence across the globe. He suggested that when Washington turns a blind eye to crises it creates, it signals a broader attempt to suppress independent developments. He spoke of a pattern where U.S. strategy appears to aim for dominance, a stance he believes undermines global stability.
Lavrov drew a parallel between Pelosi’s Taiwan visit and the situation in Ukraine, arguing that Washington often ignores the realities on the ground while presenting a misleading narrative. He claimed that the United States disregards the principles of indivisible security laid out in high-level discussions, challenging Kyiv to pursue goals framed as threats to Russia. The Russian stance emphasized respect for sovereign equality under the UN Charter and called for a measured response to violations of these principles.
The Russian diplomat affirmed a long-standing policy position: Russia adheres to the principle of one China and opposes any encroachment on China’s sovereignty, underscoring the importance of a stable, rules-based order in international affairs.
move together
Responding to the discussions, the Chinese Foreign Minister stated that the People’s Republic of China is prepared to strengthen strategic cooperation with Russia amid rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. He said Beijing aims to defend the international system and the UN’s central role by fostering a more robust Sino-Russian partnership.
Wang Yi highlighted that Moscow’s stance on Taiwan reflects the high level of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia and the mutual support they provide in global forums. The Chinese diplomat added that both countries advocate for equality and justice on the world stage.
He characterized U.S. actions regarding Taiwan as provocative and deliberate, suggesting they reveal Washington’s inconsistent approach to international norms. Wang Yi expressed confidence that U.S. plans to use Taiwan to influence China will fail and that Taiwan’s historical trajectory will continue along its existing path.
Wang Yi noted that U.S. provocations have strengthened national unity among the Chinese population, contributing to the modernization efforts of the nation with distinctive Chinese characteristics.
“Slapstick comedy”
During his talks with Lavrov, Wang Yi asserted that Pelosi’s Taiwan visit would carry consequences for the United States. He warned of a firm response to such actions, describing the visit as a political misstep that erodes trust. He pointed to a timely statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry criticizing U.S. actions and expressing support for China.
Wang Yi condemned Pelosi’s decision as a violation of the One China principle and as an encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China. He noted that China is prepared to respond to unilateral provocations and to defend its stance on Taiwan in accordance with international law.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that Beijing would consider sanctions in response to the provocative visit. The commentary touched on broader geopolitical implications and suggested increased scrutiny of U.S. policies in the region.
Media commentary from Western outlets during the period focused on the potential consequences of Pelosi’s trip, including concerns about escalating tensions and the risk of China shifting its stance in regional conflicts. Analysts emphasized the delicate balance between asserting national interests and maintaining stability in the region as global powers navigate the complexities of security, sovereignty, and influence.