US Defends Taiwan's Message to Modi as Routine, Despite China's Protests

07 Jun, 2024

US Defends Taiwan's Message to Modi as Routine, Despite China's Protests

Amid growing concerns from China over the exchange of greetings between PM Modi and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, the US State Department labeled such messages as part of normal diplomatic business. President Lai extended congratulations to PM Modi for his victory in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, prompting China to lodge a protest with India.

US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller commented, "I haven't seen those specific reports, so I don't want to comment on them in detail, but I would say that such congratulatory messages are the normal course of diplomatic business."

China's protest followed PM Modi's remarks in response to President Lai's message, where he expressed a desire to enhance Taiwan-India relations. President Lai's statement highlighted the goal of expanding collaboration in trade, technology, and other sectors to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

In reply, PM Modi thanked President Lai for his warm message and expressed his hope for closer ties and mutually beneficial partnerships. Despite this diplomatic exchange, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning insisted that New Delhi should resist Taiwan's "political calculations," emphasizing the One China principle and opposing official interactions between Taiwan and countries with diplomatic ties to China.

India has yet to respond or release any official statement regarding the comments made by the Chinese side