In a bold rebuttal to China’s protest over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reply to Taiwanese President Lai Ching Te’s congratulatory message, Taipei asserted on Friday that Beijing’s actions are “utterly unjustified.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan released a statement affirming the island’s steadfast dedication to “building partnerships” with India.
“China’s outrage at a cordial exchange between the leaders of two democracies is utterly unjustified. Threats and intimidation never foster friendships,” Taiwan’s MOFA declared in a post on X, a social media platform. The ministry emphasized that Taiwan remains committed to nurturing partnerships with India that are founded on mutual benefit and shared values.
On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in India reiterated its stance that Taiwan is an “inalienable part” of Chinese territory. The embassy’s spokesperson underscored that the one-China principle is a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus within the global community.
“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,” the spokesperson asserted. Furthermore, the embassy stressed that India is expected to recognize and counteract the Taiwan authorities’ political maneuvers regarding the one-China policy.
“India has diplomatic relations with China and understands China’s position well. On the one-China principle, India has made serious political commitments and is expected to acknowledge, be wary of, and resist the Taiwan authorities’ political calculations,” the spokesperson added.
Following the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on securing his third consecutive victory in the general elections. President Lai emphasized his eagerness to bolster the increasingly robust ties between Taiwan and India.
“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, and other sectors to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” President Lai shared in a post on X.
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The economic partnership between India and Taiwan has witnessed significant growth in recent years. Taiwan has identified India as a crucial partner under its ‘New Southbound Policy’. Notably, both nations have signed a migration agreement facilitating the employment of Indian workers in Taiwanese industries.
In a stern warning to China, Lai Ching-te called on Beijing to cease its intimidation tactics against the island nation, which China continues to claim. Tensions in the region have been exacerbated by China’s intensified military drills, especially after Lai assumed the presidency of Taiwan.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections, whose results were announced on Tuesday, saw the BJP winning 240 seats— a notable drop from its 2019 tally of 303. The Congress party, however, demonstrated substantial growth, securing 99 seats. The INDIA bloc surpassed the 230 mark, providing fierce competition and defying pre-election predictions.
Despite the diplomatic friction, Taiwan remains resolute in its pursuit of stronger ties with India. The island’s government views the partnership with India not merely as a strategic alliance but as a bond nurtured by mutual respect and shared democratic values. This expanding relationship, centered around trade, technology, and other critical sectors, aims to contribute significantly to regional stability and prosperity.
As the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region continues to evolve, Taiwan’s commitment to India sends a robust message about the island’s intention to engage in vibrant and multifaceted international partnerships. Taiwan’s stance also underscores its refusal to be coerced by Beijing’s aggressive tactics and highlights its determination to forge paths of cooperation and mutual growth with like-minded nations.
The Chinese embassy’s reiteration of the one-China principle and their expectations from India indicate the complicated diplomatic tightrope India must walk. Balancing its burgeoning relationship with Taiwan against its established diplomatic relations with China presents India with both challenges and opportunities for nuanced diplomacy.
In conclusion, the diplomatic exchanges between Taiwan and India amidst China’s protests have spotlighted the complex dynamics in the region. Taiwan’s unwavering stance and its call for China to halt its intimidation further complicate the geopolitical scenario, but also pave the way for strengthened India-Taiwan relations based on shared democratic values and mutual interests.
