Summary: China has protested the exchange of congratulatory messages between Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
China has raised objections after Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent election victory and Modi responded with gratitude. This diplomatic exchange has sparked protests from Beijing, which sees it as a violation of the One-China policy.
Congratulatory Exchange
On Wednesday, Lai Ching-te, who was elected Taiwan’s President last month, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “My sincere congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on his 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”.
My sincere congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on his 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.
— 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) June 5, 2024
In response, Modi thanked Lai, saying, “Thank you @ChingteLai for your warm message. I look forward to closer ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership” (Indian Express).
China’s Response
At a media briefing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to a question about the interaction between Modi and Lai, stating, “First of all, there is no such thing as ‘president’ of the Taiwan region. China opposes all forms of official interactions between the Taiwan authorities and countries having diplomatic relations with China. There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China”.
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Mao further emphasized that “India has made a solemn political commitment regarding [the one-China policy] and it should be aware of and vigilant against the political conspiracy by the Taiwanese side” according to a SCMP report.
Geopolitical Implications
China views Taiwan as part of its territory and opposes any form of official exchange between Taiwan and countries with which it has diplomatic ties. The exchange of messages between Modi and Lai is seen by Beijing as a political maneuver that challenges the One-China policy.
Beijing has consistently protested any recognition or interaction with Taiwan by other countries. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has expressed concerns that such exchanges undermine China’s territorial claims and contribute to geopolitical tensions in the region.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
This diplomatic incident comes at a time when China–India relations are already strained, particularly due to ongoing border conflicts. The two nations have faced heightened tensions since the deadly clashes in the Galwan Valley in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers (SCMP).
Despite these tensions, bilateral ties saw a slight improvement earlier this year when Beijing appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as its new ambassador to India, filling an 18-month vacancy. However, the congratulatory exchange between Modi and Lai has reignited diplomatic frictions.
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