China Urges India to Handle Taiwan Relations Carefully
On October 17, China called on India to be cautious in its dealings with Taiwan following the opening of Taiwan’s new office in Mumbai. The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed strong opposition to any official interactions between Taiwan and countries with which China has diplomatic ties, urging India to adhere to the “one-China principle.” This principle is considered the political foundation of the India-China relationship.
New Office in Mumbai
Taiwan inaugurated the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in Mumbai, its third office in India, on Wednesday. This office will serve several western Indian states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa, as well as the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Statements from China
During a press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and urged India to avoid any official interactions with Taiwan. Mao Ning stated, “China strongly opposes all forms of official contact and interaction between Taiwan and countries having diplomatic relations with China.”
Reactions from Taiwan
Ambassador Baushuan Ger and Director General Homer Chang attended the opening ceremony of the new office. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Chia-Lung Lin sent a congratulatory video, highlighting the progress in India-Taiwan relations and the strategic importance of the new office in Mumbai.
This development occurs amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan.
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located in East Asia. It has its own government and operates like a separate country, but China considers it a part of its territory.
One-China principle -: The ‘one-China principle’ is a policy that says there is only one China, and Taiwan is a part of it. China expects countries to follow this principle if they want to have diplomatic relations with China.
Diplomatic ties -: Diplomatic ties are official relationships between countries. When two countries have diplomatic ties, they have embassies and ambassadors in each other’s countries.
South China Sea -: The South China Sea is a large sea in Southeast Asia. It is important for trade and has many islands, some of which are claimed by different countries, leading to tensions.
Chinese military activities -: Chinese military activities refer to actions taken by China’s armed forces. Around Taiwan, this can include things like military exercises or flying planes near the island.