Beijing Condemns US Meeting With Taiwan, President Putin Says China Does Not Need Power To Conquer Taipei

Illustration of the flags of China and Taiwan. (Source: Stanford News.edu)

JAKARTA - Russian President Vladimir Putin said China did not need power to seize Taiwan, as Beijing criticized a meeting of US officials meeting with representatives of Taipei.

President Vladimir Putin said China did not need to use force to seize Taiwan last Wednesday, October 13. Speaking to CNBC on the sidelines of the Russia Energy Week conference in Moscow, President Putin believes a military confrontation is unlikely.

"By increasing its economic potential, Beijing is able to implement its national goals. I don't see any threat," said President Vladimir Putin, referring to China's large economy.

"There are some conflicting and contradictory interests, but Russia's position is based on the fact, we need to give an opportunity to all countries in the region, without interference from non-regional powers, to have a proper conversation based on basic principles, norms of international law," he said.

China condemned the meeting held by US officials with Taiwan's representative for the country of Uncle Sam Hsiao bi-khim, which was also held on Wednesday this week.

The criticism came after an official from the US State Department posted the meeting on Twitter, as well as reports that the US had invited Taiwan Army Commander Hsu Yen to visit the country.

"We urge the US to give up its illusion of using Taiwan to contain China," the spokesman stressed, stressing that China will oppose any statement or action that challenges the one-China principle or China's core interests, CGTN, October 14.

"The US should not fantasize about seeking support and cooperation with China, while recklessly challenging China's red line on the Taiwan question. China will never accept it," the spokesman added.