The Foreign Minister of Russia on Tuesday has blamed Washington of destabilising the world after the likely visit of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan sparked rage in Moscow’s ally Beijing. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said via social media, “Washington is bringing destabilisation to the world. Not a single resolved conflict in recent decades, but many provoked ones.”
Faced with unprecedented sanctions and international isolation over its military campaign in pro-Western Ukraine, Russia has sought closer ties with China and expressed solidarity with Beijing over Taiwan.
China considers Taiwan its territory and has indicated through repeated warnings that it would view a visit by Pelosi as a major provocation.
United States officials often make discreet visits to Taiwan to show support, but Pelosi, who is currently on a tour of several Asian nations, would be a higher-profile visitor than any in recent history.
Democratic Taiwan lives under constant fear of being seized by China.
Russia’s assault on Ukraine has heightened fears that Beijing might similarly follow through on threats to annex its much smaller and outgunned neighbour.