Russia's Attitude towards the Taiwan Crises since Putin Came to Power

In: China: CIJ ; an international journal, Volume 22, Issue 1, p. 60-84

Abstract

Abstract: Amid the growing rivalry between the United States and China, Russia has positioned itself as a pivot in the triangular relationship with the two superpowers to turn its weakness into strength. This article uses the Taiwan issue to examine the triangular dynamics and Russian President Vladimir Putin's attitude towards the most sensitive issues in Sino–American relations. Findings have revealed that Moscow exhibited half-hearted responses to nine major incidents that caused severe tensions in cross-strait relations over the past two decades. Therefore, the authors argue that Russia's attitude is one main cause of the non-emergence of a "romantic triangle" of the three powers.