William Lai Ching-te celebrates his election victory in Taipei, Taiwan, in January. Picture for illustration | Picture credit score: AP
A day after the Chinese language International Ministry objected to an change of congratulatory messages between Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chinese language embassy in New Delhi reiterated Beijing’s objection and declared that Taiwan is an “inalienable half” of China. The Chinese language mission’s protest got here two days after Taiwan’s president congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“There isn’t a such factor as a ‘president’ of the Taiwan area. Taiwan is an inalienable a part of China’s territory. The Authorities of the Folks’s Republic of China is the one authorized authorities representing all of China. That is an indisputable fact, a common consensus of the worldwide neighborhood and a fundamental norm in worldwide relations,” the spokesperson of the Chinese language Embassy in India stated in a social media submit on X.
A number of world leaders congratulated Mr. Modi after the Nationwide Democratic Alliance (NDA) gained a majority within the latest Lok Sabha elections. On June 5, President Lai congratulated Mr. Modi on X and expressed Taiwan’s willpower to develop partnership with India “in commerce, know-how and different sectors.
Responding to the message, Modi thanked the Taiwanese chief and expressed hope for “nearer ties” that might improve a “mutually helpful financial and technological partnership.” The Prime Minister didn’t handle Mr Lai as “president”.
Responding to a query from media in Beijing concerning the change between the Taiwanese president and Modi, Chinese language International Ministry spokesman Mao Ning stated on Thursday: “To start with, there isn’t a such factor as a ‘ president’ of the Taiwan area. .” He stated India has made “severe political commitments” on Beijing’s long-held place on Taiwan.
The Ministry of International Affairs has not formally commented on the matter.
Taiwan strikes again
On Friday, Taiwan’s International Ministry responded to Beijing, saying: “China’s outrage at a cordial change between the leaders of two democracies is wholly unwarranted. Threats and intimidation by no means foster friendships. Taiwan stays devoted to constructing partnerships with India underpinned by mutual profit and shared values.”
Earlier on Thursday, US State Division spokesperson Matthew Miller had addressed the problem whereas responding to a query from the media, saying: “Such congratulatory messages are the conventional course of diplomatic affairs.” “.
The change between Beijing and Taiwan over President Lai’s congratulatory message to Prime Minister Modi got here after weeks of army workouts by Chinese language forces close to Taiwan’s coast. On Might 23, the Jap Command of the Chinese language Folks’s Liberation Military launched a two-day army train, titled “Joint Li Chien-2024A,” round Taiwan.
The PLA’s deployment of naval and air property got here shortly after Taiwan inaugurated William Lai Ching-te’s presidency. Opposing the Chinese language army train, Taiwan’s Ministry of Nationwide Protection stated: “We don’t search battle, however we won’t draw back from any. “We’ve the boldness to safeguard our nationwide safety.”
China’s army actions have continued and Taiwan detected Chinese language plane and warships close to its coast as late as Friday.