China seen hindering Russian ties

Moscow is currently not showing a friendly face to Taiwan, according to a briefing by Taiwan's representative in Moscow, James Chang (張文中), in the Legislative Yuan yesterday.

Russia released a joint statement with China in December, stressing that it does not support Taiwan's bid to join the US-proposed Theater Missile Defense system and that it is opposed to the "special state-to-state" formula for cross-strait relations unveiled in July.

The Russian action is supposed to ensure China's support for Moscow's military actions in Chechnya. Russia and China also appear to be moving toward closer ties at present, Chang said.

Chang said the Russian economy is continuing to deteriorate, with no sign it will improve in the near future. This, combined with widespread international condemnation last year of Russia's military action in Chechnya and Moscow's large military expenditures, has led the country to improve relations with China, he said.

Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin visited China in December and met with Chinese President Jiang Zemin (江澤民). The two countries' joint statement on TMD and Taiwan was issued during Yeltsin's visit.

Despite the apparently hostile gestures, Chang still thinks Taiwan should keep trying to strengthen its relationship with Russia through economic cooperation and trade in order to enhance understanding on both sides.

Legislators, however, were not optimistic.

DPP lawmaker Parris Chang (張旭成) said that Russia's weapon sales to China in recent years have damaged Taiwan's security.