China Accuses Some in India of Undermining One-China Policy
China on August 21, 2025, accused “certain individuals in India” of trying to undermine its sovereignty over Taiwan. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing that such remarks were “contrary to facts” and could harm bilateral ties. She said Taiwan was an inseparable part of China and that its future could only be decided by the Chinese people.
Call to Respect One-China Principle
Beijing urged New Delhi to continue respecting the One-China principle, which it described as the political foundation of India-China relations. Mao underlined that any attempt to deviate from this principle would damage trust between the two neighbors. She stressed that the One-China policy remains internationally recognized and warned against actions that could send “wrong signals” to Taiwan’s independence forces.
India’s Official Position
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently reaffirmed that India’s stance on Taiwan has not changed. He clarified that while India maintains economic, cultural, and technological exchanges with Taiwan, it does not challenge Beijing’s sovereignty claims. This balanced position has been consistent since India recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1950.
Diplomatic Sensitivities
The exchange comes at a time when India and China are cautiously trying to stabilize their strained relationship. Both countries have recently moved to restore people-to-people links, including the resumption of flights and journalist visas. However, remarks on Taiwan continue to remain highly sensitive and often trigger firm responses from Beijing.
Regional Context
China’s strong objection also reflects the wider geopolitical climate in the Indo-Pacific, where Taiwan’s status remains one of the most contentious issues. For India, balancing its traditional One-China recognition with growing unofficial ties with Taiwan remains a careful diplomatic exercise.
