Azerbaijan reaffirms non-recognition of Taiwan’s independence

Azerbaijan has reiterated its support for China’s “one-China” policy amid rising tensions over Taiwan, saying peace and stability in the region are vital for international security.

Responding to a media inquiry, Aykhan Hajizada, head of the press service department at Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Baku’s position on Taiwan was “irreversible, clear and consistent”.

“Our country does not recognise the independence of Taiwan,” he said, adding that Azerbaijan supports the peaceful resolution of disputes in line with international law. 

Hajizada stressed that any settlement should be based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, as concerns grow in recent days over developments surrounding Taiwan.

On December 29, China launched its largest military drills yet around Taiwan, involving warships, fighter jets, artillery and simulated blockades of key ports, firing rockets into surrounding waters. Beijing describes the exercises as a “stern warning” against Taiwanese independence and foreign interference, following a recent U.S. arms sale to the island.

Taipei has condemned the drills as provocative, placing its military and coastguard on high alert and conducting rapid-response exercises, while reaffirming its commitment to defend the island without escalating tensions. The United States has downplayed fears of immediate conflict, stressing confidence in diplomatic channels.

China claims Taiwan as part of its sovereign territory and reserves the right to use force if necessary, while Taiwan maintains its self‑governed democratic system. Military exercises around the island have been a recurrent feature of cross‑strait tensions, which are influenced by U.S. arms sales and diplomatic ties between Taipei and other countries

By Aghakazim Guliyev