Lavrov warns of ‘dangerous games’ over Taiwan, South China Sea

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned Tuesday that “dangerous games” are ongoing over Taiwan and the South China Sea, speaking during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Lavrov said he agreed with Wang that the “foundations of international relations are being severely tested today,” citing developments in Venezuela, the Middle East and the situation surrounding Ukraine. He claimed that the Russia‑Ukraine war is being exploited, primarily by European countries, to “hatch plans to create a new aggressive bloc in the west of the Eurasian continent.”

West Accused of Disintegration

“In the eastern part of the Eurasian continent, dangerous games are also continuing: both in the Taiwan issue and in the South China Sea issue, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula is escalating,” Lavrov said. He accused the West of attempting to “disintegrate” the ASEAN‑centric space by creating “small‑geometry, bloc‑like structures” designed to contain both Moscow and Beijing. “Our entire vast continent requires constant attention,” he added.

Russia‑China Alignment

Lavrov expressed confidence that he and Wang would be able to discuss practical steps in line with the initiatives put forward by their presidents. The meeting underscores the deepening strategic alignment between Russia and China amid heightened global tensions. Türkiye, which maintains balanced relations with both Russia and China, continues to advocate for dialogue and de‑escalation in all regional conflicts, including in East Asia.