Amid reports of an unprecedented trade deal between India and Taiwan, the Chinese foreign ministry opposed the move and urged India to abide by the 'One-China principle'. According to The Hindu, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: “The 'One-China principle' is a universal consensus of the international community, including India. It is also the political basis for China to develop ties with other countries. So, we firmly oppose any official exchanges between countries having diplomatic ties with China and Taiwan or signing any official documents. The Indian side should remain committed to the ‘One-China principle’ and approach Taiwan-related issues prudently and properly".
India currently doesn't have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, but the two have been wooing each other. While India may not have officially abandoned its One-China policy, there has been a shift. A few months ago, India appointed a senior diplomat to serve as the new envoy to Taiwan. Gourangalal Das had served in Beijing before, is fluent in Mandarin and was a joint secretary handling the America desk. The choice for the envoy as well as Taiwan’s choice of General Baushuan Ger—a highly regarded official—as their man in Delhi is an indication of the intent both countries have.
Earlier, the Chinese embassy had sent a letter to Indian journalists, calling for honouring the 'One-China' policy. The letter was issued in the wake of advertisements issued by the Taiwan government in a couple of leading newspapers in India ahead of Taiwan's national day on October 10. "All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honour their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government," the letter dated October 7 said "We hope Indian media can stick to Indian government's position on Taiwan question and do not violate the One-China principle," it said.
-Inputs from PTI
