Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said on Wednesday that a visit to Taiwan by US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi was a deliberate attempt by Washington to irritate China.
"I see no other reason to create such an annoyance almost out of the blue, knowing very well what it means for the People's Republic of China," Lavrov said on a visit to Myanmar.
Pelosi's arrival on Tuesday in Taiwan prompted a furious response from Beijing at a time when international tensions are already elevated by the situation in Ukraine.
In addition, the Kremlin said on Wednesday that the level of tension provoked by Pelosi's visit to Taiwan "should not be underestimated."
Pelosi's vist should not be underestimated
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman
Responding to a question about whether the world was closer to war, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that he was not in favor of using that word but reiterated that the visit was a "provocation".
He added that no additional contacts between President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping were planned in light of the visit.
Russia has come out in support of China, with whom it has forged a strong partnership in recent years, and has warned Washington that Pelosi's visit puts it on a collision course with Beijing.
Moscow and Beijing both adhere to the 'One China' principle, recognizing Taiwan as part of China and opposing independence for the island.