Taiwan defends cordial exchange with India amid Chinese criticism

Despite China's objections, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rebuffed the criticism, asserting that cordial exchanges between democratic leaders should not elicit outrage. (In Pic: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te)

In a diplomatic exchange that stirred tensions between China and Taiwan, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te extended warm congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his election victory via Twitter on June 5. President Lai expressed eagerness to bolster the burgeoning Taiwan-India partnership, emphasizing collaboration in trade, technology, and other sectors to foster peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

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.

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— 賴清德Lai Ching-te (@ChingteLai) June 5, 2024

In response, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Lai for his gracious message and expressed anticipation for closer ties, emphasizing the pursuit of mutually beneficial economic and technological partnerships.

Thank you @ChingteLai for your warm message. I look forward to closer ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership. https://t.co/VGw2bsmwfM

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2024

However, China swiftly responded to the exchange, denouncing any official interactions between Taiwan and countries with diplomatic ties to China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated the one-China principle, asserting Taiwan's status as an inalienable part of China's territory and stressing that there is no legitimate "president" of the Taiwan region.

"First of all, there is no such thing as “president” of the Taiwan region. As for your question, 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. The one-China principle is a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community. India has made serious political commitments on this and is supposed to recognize, be alarmed about and resist the Taiwan authorities’ political calculations. China has protested to India about this," said Mao Ning.

The Chinese Embassy in India echoed similar sentiments, affirming Taiwan's status as part of China's territory and underscoring the sole representation of the People's Republic of China as the legal government.

There is no such thing as “president” of the Taiwan region. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is an undeniable fact, a universal consensus of the…

— Spokesperson of Chinese Embassy in India (@ChinaSpox_India) June 7, 2024

Despite China's objections, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rebuffed the criticism, asserting that cordial exchanges between democratic leaders should not elicit outrage. Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to building partnerships with India based on mutual benefit and shared values, emphasizing the importance of fostering friendships through cooperation rather than intimidation.

"China’s outrage at a cordial exchange between the leaders of 2 democracies is utterly unjustified. Threats & intimidation never foster friendships. #Taiwan