Putin-Biden phone conversation not on agenda: Kremlin

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Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov pointed out Friday that there are no plans to arrange a phone conversation between the Russian and US leaders, Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden.

"So far, there are no plans for [talks between] Putin and Biden," he told reporters.

Kremlin agrees with Xi’s position on Taiwan

In a different context, Peskov affirmed that the Russian Kremlin agrees with Chinese President Xi Jinping who told Biden, during a long phone call, about the inadmissibility of interference in the affairs of Taiwan.

"[The Kremlin is] Definitely in solidarity. We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China and believe that no country in the world should have the right to question this or take any steps towards escalation" the Russian diplomat stressed.

He said that "we are convinced that such behavior in the international arena can only cause additional tension," adding that the world is already overwhelmed with various conflicts.

It is noteworthy that during the phone call, Xi told Biden that “the United States should abide by the 'one China' principle with regard to Taiwan and ensure that its actions are consistent with its words," as per the Chinese state media.

The Chinese President added that "those who play with fire will only get burnt," expressing hope that the US side can see this clearly.

On his part, Biden told Xi that the US policy on Taiwan remains unchanged and that Washington strongly opposes unilateral efforts to change the status quo or undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, according to a statement by the White House.

Pelosi to travel to Asia on Friday, no decision on Taiwan yet

The two leaders' phone call comes amid concerns over US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's possible visit to Taiwan.

An official delegation headed by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will travel to Asia on Friday, but a decision on a visit to Taiwan has not been made yet, NBC reported, citing sources.  

According to one source acquainted with the trip, a visit to Taiwan is marked as "tentative," the broadcaster reported, adding that the tour will also include visits to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.

US military making plans in case Pelosi travels to Taiwan

Officials in the United States said they have little concern that China will target Pelosi's plane if she flies to Taiwan. However, the US House Speaker would be entering an area where US-China tensions are on the rise. As a result, the Pentagon is preparing for every situation. 

Officials told AP that if Pelosi visits Taiwan, which remains a possibility, the military will expand its movement of forces and assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

Chinese military will not sit back

China's Ministry of National Defense, Tan Kefei, warned on July 26, that the Chinese military will not sit back if US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visits Taiwan. His statement was made in response to a press inquiry regarding the issue. 
  
Beijing demands that the United States keep its promise that it would not support "Taiwan independence," Tan said, adding that if Washington insists on making the visit, the Chinese military will take strong actions to counter any external interference or "Taiwan independence" separatist scheme, and will be determined in safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

Kremlin: What happens after Sweden's, Finland's accession to NATO Is important

In regard to the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that this is a formal step, adding that what will happen next with instructors and bases is important.

He mentioned that Moscow will monitor de facto the consequences of the accession of the two countries to NATO.

"We will simply de facto look at what threats this, joining the organization as such, entails. This is a formal step. What will follow next? What will happen to the military infrastructure? What will happen to military instructors? What will happen to foreign NATO bases and so on and so forth? That is the question," Peskov told reporters.

Russia would respond to Finnish and Swedish NATO membership

Earlier on Thursday, Deputy Chairman of Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned that Russia will respond to threats posed by Finland and Sweden's accession to NATO.

Medvedev had arrived in Finland's bordering Karelia region to hold a security meeting and inspect a border checkpoint.

"As for our reaction to the entry of these countries into NATO, then, as the president of our country [Vladimir Putin] said, this reaction will be symmetrical," Medvedev said during a press conference.

He also stated that Russia should reconsider its relations with Finland and Sweden following their decision to join NATO.