The Chinese government has lodged a protest with India against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to a congratulatory message from the Taiwanese President, reported the Global Times. While Taiwan’s top leader messaged Modi on his election victory, it was just the Chinese envoy in India who congratulated the Indian Prime Minister.
“China has always firmly opposed any form of official interaction between the Taiwan regional authorities and countries that have diplomatic relations with China,” Chinese Foreign Office spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.
“There is only one China in the world. India has made serious political commitments regarding the one-China principle and should be vigilant against the political schemes of the Taiwan authorities and refrain from actions that violate the one-China principle,” reported the Global Times, quoting spokesperson Ning.
Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, is not a recognised state by Communist China.
India had acknowledged the “One China” policy, which recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, including its claim over Taiwan. India doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but has unofficial ties.
The President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, was among the world leaders who congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his June 4 Lok Sabha election victory.
“We look forward to enhancing the fast-growing #Taiwan-#India partnership, expanding our collaboration on trade, technology & other sectors to contribute to peace & prosperity in the #IndoPacific,” he wrote,” wrote the Taiwanese President on X.
Reacting to the post, Prime Minister Modi replied and thanked Lai for his “warm message”.
“I look forward to closer ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership,” added the Indian Prime Minister.
Although Chinese President, Xi Jinping has not congratulated Prime Minister so far, the Chinese Ambassador to New Delhi extended his greetings.
“Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP and BJP-led NDA on the victory in the Lok Sabha election. Look forward to making joint efforts with the Indian side for a sound and stable China-India relationship, which is in line with the interests and expectations of both countries, the region and the world,” Xu Feihong, China’s ambassodor to India, posted on X.
Bilateral relations between India and China at present are not in the best phase, given the ongoing military stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that started in May 2020.
On the other hand, Taiwan and India have been making strides in the sectors of technology, finance and people to people contact. Although India officially recognises the ‘One China’ policy, it has nuanced its stance over time in response to evolving geopolitical and strategic interests.