Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed China as an ally and voiced strong support for Beijing’s claims over Taiwan, stating that no country should fear closer Sino-Russian cooperation.
A No Limits Partnership
Although Russia and China have no formal military alliance, their partnership has grown significantly. In early 2022, Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a "no limits" partnership agreement just weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This May, they further deepened their “comprehensive strategic partnership” for a new era, according to Digi24.
Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin stated that China does not pursue an aggressive regional policy.
Instead, he suggested Taiwan is attempting to provoke an “Ukraine-style” crisis in Asia, aiming to attract external support.
Taiwan is a Part of China
China claims Taiwan, a self-governing democracy, as its own, and tensions have escalated with Beijing conducting regular military exercises near the island.
"Officially, everyone acknowledges that Taiwan is part of China," Putin said, “but in reality, Taiwan acts in a completely different direction, provoking escalation.”
Reiterating Russia's support for China, Putin said, "We believe China’s policies are completely reasonable. China is our ally, and we share extensive trade and security cooperation."
In response, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry criticized Russia and China, stating:
“The Putin regime has launched an aggressive war against Ukraine, bringing suffering to the Ukrainian people and international condemnation.”
Taiwan argued that both Russia and China are undermining the international order and pose a serious threat to global peace.
Putin downplayed concerns about joint military exercises between Russia and China, comparing them to U.S.-Japan drills.
“These exercises threaten no one,” he said. "Their goal is to ensure our security." China’s drills around Taiwan have increased in frequency, often aligning with events that anger Beijing. In August 2022, China launched week-long exercises near Taiwan following a visit by then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
