Beijing objects after India’s Modi thanks Taiwanese leader Lai for election message

Beijing warns New Delhi about Taipei’s ‘political conspiracy’ following exchange between Taiwanese leader and Indian prime minister

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has earned a rebuke from Beijing for his response to a congratulatory message from Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:00pm, 6 Jun 2024Updated: 9:12pm, 6 Jun 2024

Beijing has protested against newly re-elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to a congratulatory message from Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te and urged New Delhi to be vigilant about Taipei’s “political conspiracy”.

Mainland China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday that Beijing firmly opposed any form of official exchange between the authorities in Taiwan and countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing.

“India has made a solemn political commitment regarding [the one-China policy] and it should be aware of and vigilant against the political conspiracy by the Taiwanese side,” Mao said.

On Wednesday, Lai posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, congratulating Modi on winning his third term. Lai said he looked forward to boosting cooperation between Taiwan and India in areas such as the economy and technology.

“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 Indo-Pacific,” Lai’s post read.

In thanking Lai, Modi replied that he also looked forward to “closer ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership”.