China, on Thursday 6 June, lodged its protest over comments made by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi who stated that he was looking forward to better relations with Taiwan while insisting New Delhi must resist the “political calculations” of Taiwan authorities. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must eventually be reunited with Mainland China even if it means the use of force.
“In any case, there is no such thing as ‘president’ of the Taiwan region,” answered Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning when asked by her Western interlocutor about Modi’s message.
“Regarding your question, China opposes all official exchanges between Taiwanese authorities and countries having diplomatic relations with Beijing. There is only one China in the world. And Taiwan is its inalienable part,” she added.
“The one-China principle is a norm in international relations recognized worldwide and a consensus shared by international community,” said Mr. Mao.“India has made serious political commitments on this and should recognize, take warning from and oppose the political calculations of Taiwan authorities. In this regard, we have made representations to the Indian side”
Mr Modi had spoken after receiving a congratulatory message from Lai Ching-te ,Taiwan’s President.
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Lai ,who became President of Taiwan last month wrote on X :”My sincere congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on his election victory. I look forward to enhancing our burgeoning #Taiwan-#India partnership through expanding cooperation into trade, technology and many other areas contributing to peace & prosperity across the #IndoPacific.”
While responding via X in his rejoinder Mr.Modi said: “Thank you @ChingteLai for your warm message. I anticipate tightening up links between us as we approach a mutually beneficial economic as well as technological alliance.”
In response to another question posed during press conference Mr.Mao pointed out that “India has diplomatic ties with China. China also opposes any form of official contacts between Taiwan authorities and countries having diplomatic relations with it. This position is very clear, and India knows this well.” “On the one-China principle, India has made serious political commitments and is supposed to recognise, be alarm about and resist the Taiwan authorities’ political calculations, and refrain from doing things that violate the one-China principle,” Mao reiterated.
Taiwan President Lai in his May 20th inaugural address had called on Beijing to stop armed intimidation against the self-ruled island after his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has been a bulwark for democracy against the backdrop of years of rising aggression by China, emerged victorious.
