Russia has expanded its list of nations it considers hostile, adding Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, reports revealed on Saturday, 21 September. Moscow’s move follows the signing of the new list by Premier Mikhail Mishustin on 17 September, with official publication occurring on 20 September.
The countries were included under the classification of having “values inimical to Russia.” Taiwan was listed as “Taiwan (China),” reflecting Moscow’s recognition of China’s sovereignty claim over the island. Despite this, China itself was absent from the list, which includes 47 countries. Notably, European Union members Hungary and Slovakia were also left out, while Turkey was the only NATO member not included.
The Russian government reportedly allows residents of these nations to apply for “humanitarian assistance” from Moscow, provided they adhere to traditional Russian values. The updated list contrasts with the original 2021 version, which only featured the US and the Czech Republic. However, the Russian response to international condemnation over the Ukraine invasion in 2022 saw the rapid expansion of the list, which now includes Taiwan.
The new designation could have far-reaching consequences for diplomatic relations, trade, and the geopolitical landscape, particularly in East Asia. Russian authorities have not publicly elaborated on the specific ramifications for the countries mentioned, though the move highlights Moscow’s increasingly adversarial posture towards nations perceived as aligned with Western values.