China objects Modi's response to Taiwanese president's congratulatory message

Pleasantries exchanged between Narendra Modi and Taiwan's top leader over the Indian leader's victory in the recently-concluded Lok Sabha election has not gone down well with China.

The Chinese foreign ministry expressed its displeasure after Modi responded to a congratulatory message from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

China said there is “no such thing as ‘President’ of the Taiwan region”, and said Beijing opposes all official interactions between the Taiwan authorities and countries having diplomatic relations with China.

"China has always firmly opposed any form of official interaction between the Taiwan regional authorities and countries that have diplomatic relations with China," Chinese Foreign Office spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday.

"There is only one China in the world. India has made serious political commitments regarding the one-China principle and should be vigilant against the political schemes of the Taiwan authorities and refrain from actions that violate the one-China principle," reported the Global Times, quoting spokesperson Ning.

It also reminded India of its commitment to Beijing's 'one-China policy' which refers to Taiwan as an inalienable part of China.

On June 4, the Taiwanese president was among the global leaders who congratulated Modi on his June 4 Lok Sabha 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,” he wrote," wrote the Taiwanese President on X.

Reacting to the post, Modi replied and thanked Lai for his "warm message".

"I look forward to closer ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership," added the prime minister-elect.