New Delhi: Beijing has formally protested New Delhi after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to a congratulatory message from Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te following PM Modi’s recent election victory.
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning conveyed Beijing’s objection to the exchange between the Indian and Taiwanese leaders. “There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China,” Mao stated, reiterating China’s long-standing One-China policy.
Following the victory of PM Modi-led NDA; Lai took to social media to congratulate PM Modi on his electoral win, expressing hope for “enhancing the fast-growing Taiwan-India partnership, expanding our collaboration on trade, technology & other sectors to contribute to peace & prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.”
Responding to the post, PM wrote on X, “Thank you @ChingteLai for your warm message. I look forward to closer ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership.”
Mao urged India to adhere to the One-China principle. She stated, “India has a serious political commitment to this and should recognize, be vigilant, and resist the political plot of the Taiwan authorities.”
Despite not having formal diplomatic ties, India and Taiwan maintain unofficial relations through de facto missions in each other’s capitals. However, India has historically adhered to the One-China policy, recognizing only the People’s Republic of China.
The exchange comes amid escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, with the latter seeking to expand its quasi-diplomatic presence in India. Some have called on the Modi government to review its policy on Taiwan in response to China’s unilateral moves along the disputed India-China border in 2020, though New Delhi has not initiated any such move.
