Russia to fortify its eastern military flank in response to US presence in Taiwan, Korean Peninsula

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Russia has decided to strengthen its eastern military flank in response to US military expansions on the Korean Peninsula and in Taiwan, as well as the complex situation in Central Asia, where the West is peddling anti-Russian activities, Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said on Tuesday.

Shoygu said at a meeting with the military chiefs in Moscow that Washington "continues to use rising tensions on the Korean peninsula and in Taiwan" to expand its military presence in the region.

The minister anticipates that the US will conduct more military exercises with its allies in the Asia-Pacific in 2024.

The situation in Central Asia is also "complicated" due to the presence of Daesh/ISIS terrorists in Afghanistan and the rise of anti-Russian activities by pro-Western non-governmental organizations in former Soviet states, he said.

Shoygu stated that the Eastern military district will be fortified with modern military equipment, including Tor missile systems.

The main focus will be on training reserve battalions, as well as junior specialists and unmanned aerial vehicle operators, he added.

Since Aug. 2022, the situation around Taiwan has been tense when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and then Washington increased its military presence, which China condemns as interference in its internal affairs.

China considers Taiwan its "breakaway province," while Taipei has insisted on its independence since 1949.