Modi's response to Taiwanese president on India election victory angers China

China was among other nations that congratulated Narendra Modi on the Lok Sabha Election win and said it was "ready to work" with its neighbour. But Modi's response to Taiwan's congratulatory message has angered China, with Beijing lodginga protest with India.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference on Wednesday (Jun 5) that a "healthy and stable China-India relationship is in the common interest of both sides and is also conducive to peace and development in the region and the world".

The comment can be seen as a positive move as ties between the two nations hit a low except for trade ever since the eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Chinese daily tabloid newspaper Global Times said in a post on X that China has lodged a protest with India regarding Modi's response to Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te's message.

Taiwan considers itself a distinct nation from China, but Beijing has claimed Taiwan as its own territory since the Chinese Civil War of the 1940s.

China says that the island nation will defy the one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, if needed, it would use force to unite the two territories.

Watch:'Five Eyes' warn China is recruiting Western Military trainers

Taiwanese president congratulating Narendra Modi and his party on the Lok Sabha victory said, "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."

Modi responded by saying, "I look forward to closer ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership."

As mentioned by Global Times social media post, the foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that 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.

(With inputs from agencies)