China on Thursday lodged a protest with India on a social media response to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's congratulatory message, urging New Delhi to resist Taiwan's "political calculations."
Notably, China considers Taiwan as a rebel province that must be reunified with the mainland, even by force.
Modi's remarks came in reply to President Lai's message congratulating him on his election victory.
Lai, elected as Taiwan's President last month, expressed his wishes to enhance the Taiwan-India partnership and expand collaboration on trade, technology, and other sectors to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
In his response, Modi expressed gratitude to President Lai for his warm wishes and expressed his anticipation for closer ties between the two nations, aiming for mutually beneficial economic and technological partnerships.
Reacting to these exchanges, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China has protested to India on the matter.
She emphasised that Taiwan does not have a President and opposed any official interactions between Taiwan authorities and countries having diplomatic relations with China.
Mao reiterated China's stance, stating that there is only one China globally, and Taiwan is an integral part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China. She stressed the One China principle as a universally recognized norm in international relations.
India, Mao added, has made serious political commitments and should resist Taiwan's political calculations. She affirmed that China has officially protested to India regarding this matter.
President Lai, 64, assumed office as the President of Taiwan last month after winning the Presidential poll.
In his inaugural address, he called on Beijing to cease its intimidation of the self-ruled island after his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured victory.
The DPP has long championed democracy despite growing threats from China.
Follow us
