Hours after objecting to PM Modi’s comment expressing anticipation for closer ties with Taiwan, China has now stated that there is no such thing as a ‘President’ of the Taiwan region, turning a mere congratulatory message by Taiwan to Narendra Modi for his swearing-in as the Prime Minister into an online skirmish.

In a post on X platform, a spokesperson from the Embassy of China in India stated, ‘There is no such thing as a ‘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 fact is undeniable, acknowledged as a universal consensus by the international community, and constitutes a basic norm in international relations,’ tweeted the embassy.

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…

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

Also Read: US Responds Firmly As China Objects To Modi’s Interaction With Taiwan President

Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed China for expressing outrage at the cordial exchange between India and Taiwan.

‘China’s outrage at a cordial exchange between the leaders of 2 democracies is utterly unjustified. Threats & intimidation never foster friendships. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted, reaffirming Taiwan’s dedication to building partnerships with India based on mutual benefit and shared values.’

#China’s outrage at a cordial exchange between the leaders of 2 democracies is utterly unjustified. Threats & intimidation never foster friendships. #Taiwan🇹🇼 remains dedicated to building partnerships with #India🇮🇳 underpinned by mutual benefit & shared values. https://t.co/B5R1EtXEAO

— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) June 7, 2024

How It Happened

Initially, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te congratulated PM Modi on his electoral win in the general elections.

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 a message posted on X, Lai expressed, ‘My sincere congratulations to Prime Minister 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.’

In response to Lai, PM Narendra Modi tweeted, ‘Thank you, Lai Ching-te, for your warm message. I anticipate closer ties as we work towards a mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership.’Later, China protested the exchange between India and Taiwan, insisting that New Delhi should resist Taiwan authorities’ ‘political calculations.’

During a media briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, ‘First of all, there is no such thing as a ‘President’ of the Taiwan region.’

Upon being asked to comment on the exchange, she stated, ‘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.’

Mao stated, ‘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 expected to recognize, be alarmed about, and resist the Taiwan authorities’ political calculations. China has protested to India about this.’

In his inaugural address on May 20, Taiwan President Lai called on Beijing to cease its intimidation of the self-ruled island after his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has championed democracy despite years of growing threats from China, won.

China views Taiwan as a rebel province that must be reunified with the mainland, even if force is necessary.

US Responds To China Objection

Amid China’s protest over the exchange, the US stated that congratulatory messages between two foreign leaders are a normal part of diplomatic business.

State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference on Thursday that such congratulatory messages are a normal part of diplomatic business.

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