MOSCOW, July 23 (RIA Novosti) - A Russian foreign ministry official said Monday, during a meeting with the Chinese ambassador, that Russia recognized only one China and stood against Taiwanese independence.
Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Yakovenko and Liu Guchang discussed important issues concerning bilateral strategic relations, including cooperation in the United Nations. Considering Taiwan's drive for international recognition of its independence and its right to join the UN, the Russian diplomat reiterated Moscow's position in principle fixed in the 2001 Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation
"It was confirmed during the meeting that Russia is against any possible form of Taiwan's independence, recognizing only one China, and the government of the Chinese People's Republic as the only legitimate government representing China," the Foreign Ministry commented on the meeting.
Since 1949, the Taiwan-based democratic Republic of China has claimed independence from the communist mainland. The People's Republic of China officially considers the island its province and has warned that it would use force if Taiwan were to formally proclaim independence.
As many as 24 countries have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
