A simple congratulatory message from Taiwan to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his swearing-in ceremony has sparked an online skirmish between China and Taiwan. Hours after expressing objections to PM Modi’s comments about closer ties with Taiwan, China reiterated its stance that there is no such thing as a ‘President’ of the Taiwan region.
In a post on X, a spokesperson from the Embassy of China in India stated, “There is no such thing as ‘president’ of the Taiwan region. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.” The spokesperson emphasized that the Government of the People’s Republic of China represents the entire country, asserting it as an “undeniable fact” and a “universal consensus” in international relations.
The sequence of events began when Taiwan President Lai Ching-te congratulated PM Modi on his electoral victory. In response, PM Modi expressed gratitude and mentioned the prospect of enhancing ties between India and Taiwan.
Subsequently, China voiced its discontent over the exchange, urging India to resist Taiwan’s “political calculations” and emphasizing its adherence to the one-China principle. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China’s stance during a media briefing, highlighting India’s supposed commitment to recognize and resist Taiwan’s political maneuvers.
In the midst of China’s objections, the United States intervened, characterizing the congratulatory messages between foreign leaders as part of normal diplomatic proceedings. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the routine nature of such messages during a daily press briefing.
The incident underscores the delicate diplomatic balancing act between China and Taiwan, with India inadvertently drawn into the fray through diplomatic niceties.
