China protests Modi's response to polls win felicitation from Taiwanese president

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China Thursday said it has lodged a protest with India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to the election win felicitation from Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te.

Beijing has “always firmly opposed any form of official interaction between the Taiwan regional authorities and countries that have diplomatic relations with China,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, state media reported.

Lai, who was sworn into office on May 20, on Wednesday extended “sincere congratulations” to Modi on his election victory.

“We look forward to enhancing the fast-growing Taiwan-India partnership, expanding our collaboration on trade, technology and other sectors to contribute to peace and prosperity” in the region, Lai said on X.

During Tuesday’s result counting, Modi claimed the third consecutive victory for his National Democratic Alliance in the Indian general elections.

“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,” said Mao, adding: “There is only one China in the world.”

Taipei, however, has insisted on its independence since 1949.

Modi thanked the Taiwanese president for his “warm message.”

“I look forward to closer ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership,” Modi said.

Beijing on Wednesday also congratulated Modi and called for “sound and stable” relations to serve the common interests of both sides.

India and China have counterclaims in Arunachal Pradesh state of the South Asian nation while the two Himalayan neighbors are engaged in a border tussle in the Ladakh area of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir.