Which side does Tashkent support? The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan reacts to the tension surrounding Taiwan

Uzbekistan hopes that the tensions around Taiwan will be resolved as soon as possible.  This is mentioned in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

"In connection with the development of the situation around Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan hopes that the tensions that have arisen will be overcome as soon as possible," - the MFA statement said.

It is noted that Uzbekistan consistently supports the "One China" policy, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of this country in accordance with the generally recognized norms and principles of international law.

Nancy Pelosi arrived at Taipei's Songshan airport on the evening of 2 August and returned on 3 August, less than a day on the island.  This was the first visit of the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the US Congress to the island since 1997.  In Taiwan, Pelosi met with the head of the island's administration, Tsai Ing-wen.

This incident strained the relations between the United States and China.  Official Beijing began military operations near Taiwan before Pelosi's arrival.  After the visit, military exercises were started in several areas around the island.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested and condemned the politician's visit.  It was emphasized that her trip would seriously violate the principle of "One China" and the provisions of the three China-US communiques.  Beijing also urged Washington to stop using Taiwan to control China.  In addition, the diplomatic department of China assured that it will take all necessary measures to protect the country's sovereignty.

According to the White House, Pelosi's visit to Taiwan did not violate China's sovereignty, and the US administration assured that it "will not allow itself to be intimidated."  American officials emphasized that there is no reason for increasing tension in the region.

The Kremlin called Pelosi's trip a provocation that would increase tensions in the region. The press secretary of the president, Dmitry Peskov, drew attention to the fact that all countries of the world took note of this and stated Russia's solidarity with China.

The Chinese military was put on high alert after Pelosi's visit.  The army has started military exercises in several locations around Taiwan.

Taiwan-US relations

Taiwan has been governed by its own administration since 1949 when remnants of the Guomindang forces led by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) fled to the island after being defeated in the Chinese Civil War.  Since then, Taiwan has retained the flag and other attributes of the former Republic of China that existed on the mainland before the Communists came to power.

The United States severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1979 and established them with the PRC (People's Republic of China).  While Washington recognizes the "One China" policy, it also maintains relations with the Taipei administration and supplies arms to the island.  In 2020, the administration of former US President Donald Trump significantly intensified communications and exchanges with Taiwan amid heightened tensions with Beijing over the situation in Hong Kong, this caused the protest of the PRC authorities.

The US is Taiwan's main arms supplier.  In April of the current year, the State Department approved a $95 million contract for the maintenance of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems.