China urged India on Thursday to approach Taiwan-related issues cautiously after Taiwan announced the official opening of a new office in Mumbai. The Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly condemned any form of official contact between Taiwan and countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China, urging India to uphold the “one-China principle,” which is the foundation of India-China relations.
The statement came after Taiwan inaugurated its third office in India, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre, in Mumbai on Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized the need for India to handle Taiwan matters “prudently and properly” and reiterated that India should avoid official interactions with Taiwan to improve relations between China and India.
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“There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. China strongly opposes all forms of official contact and interaction between Taiwan and countries having diplomatic relations with China, including the establishment of representative offices for each other. We have lodged solemn representations to the Indian side,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.
“China urges the Indian side to strictly abide by the commitments it has made, prudently and properly settle the Taiwan-related issues, not to conduct any form of official interaction with Taiwan, and avoid disturbing the process to improve the China-India relationship,” said Mao Ning.
The new office in Mumbai will serve several western Indian states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in India, Ambassador Baushuan Ger, and Director General Homer Chang of the new office attended the inauguration ceremony.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Chia-Lung Lin, sent a congratulatory video highlighting the strengthening India-Taiwan ties in recent years. He said the Mumbai office reflects Taiwan’s “New Southbound Policy” and India’s “Act East Policy,” aiming to enhance bilateral relations. This new TECC office follows the establishment of others in New Delhi in 1995 and Chennai in 2012.
This development comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and increased Chinese military activity around the Taiwan Strait.
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