Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has reiterated Moscow's stance against 'any form of independence' for Taiwan. In remarks made to the Russian state news agency TASS, Lavrov stated that Russia's position on the Taiwan issue remains 'well-known, unchangeable, and has been repeatedly reaffirmed at the highest level.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov emphasized that Russia recognizes Taiwan as an integral part of China and opposes any notion of independence for the island. He noted that the Taiwan issue is considered an internal matter for the People's Republic of China (PRC), asserting that Beijing has every legitimate basis for defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Lavrov also addressed the potential escalation of tensions in the Taiwan Strait, affirming Russia's support for China in 'protecting national unity and territorial integrity.' He referred to a friendship treaty between Moscow and Beijing, originally signed in 2001 and extended for another five years in 2021, as a basis for this support.

The foreign minister additionally highlighted concerns regarding Japan's increasing militarization. Lavrov criticized Japan's government for accelerating its military capabilities, cautioning that this approach could negatively impact regional stability. He advised Japanese authorities to carefully consider the situation before making any hasty decisions.

Lavrov's comments come amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. On November 7, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be considered a 'survival-threatening situation,' potentially allowing Japan to exercise the right of collective self-defense. This statement prompted a strong reaction from Beijing, including travel advisories against Japan and a ban on seafood imports.

In response to the ongoing tensions, Japanese local media reported on Friday that the country's Cabinet approved a record draft defense budget of 9.04 trillion yen ($58 billion) for fiscal 2026. This move drew criticism from China, which opposed the budget increase.