Russia has sided with their allies, China, in condemning United States House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s expected visit to Taiwan. Pelosi is currently on her Asia tour, with the official itinerary of the veteran politician mentioning that her visit includes Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said to journalists that the potential visit might increase tensions in the region, and has also accused the United States of going into direct confrontation with China by greenlighting the same. However, the Biden administration cannot directly dictate terms to Pelosi, who is Speaker of the House and not a member of the government.

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Peskov also went on to say, “We want to emphasise once again that we are absolutely in solidarity with China, its attitude towards the problem is understandable and absolutely justified”.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, has also accused Washington to have brought destabilisation upon the world, adding that the US has not been able to resolve any conflict in recent years and has only given rise to new ones. She went on to say that Russia is one the same page with Beijing regarding the latter’s One China policy, and does not endorse Taiwanese independence in any form.

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With Moscow having been sidelined by most of the major world economies post its Ukraine invasion, the Putin government now needs to strengthen its ties with Beijing. Notably, China had also refused to label Russia’s attacks on Ukraine an invasion. The Kremlin’s vocal opposition to Pelosi’s Taiwan visit can be seen as a step in this regard. Here is a TV tower in Moscow proclaiming Russia’s support to China:

Meanwhile, Taiwan has already started preparing itself by constructing anti-aircraft bunkers in case China launches an attack on the island if Pelosi’s visit materializes. The People’s Liberation Army have themselves begun drills in the area using fighter jets, anti-submarine warfare aircraft, and warships.