China Expresses Surprise Over India's Taiwan Clarification

China expressed sharp surprise on Thursday over India’s clarification of its position on Taiwan after reports that New Delhi’s top diplomat had suggested Taiwan is part of China during talks with Beijing. India said there was no change in its stance and that its ties with Taiwan focus on economic, technological and cultural links. Beijing, meanwhile, pressed New Delhi to “earnestly abide by the One China Principle” and warned that the clarification appeared inconsistent with facts and could undermine China-India relations.

The episode unfolds amid a broader effort to normalise a tense bilateral relationship that has seen disengagement along the Himalayan border and a recent push to expand practical cooperation. China has long maintained that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory, and it has urged India to respect the One China framework. Taiwan’s status remains a sensitive international issue, with Beijing insisting that countries engaging with Taipei recognise Beijing as the sole legal government of China. In economic terms, India and Taiwan have developed a robust trade and technology relationship despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties.