India Reiterates One-China Policy Amid Beijing’s Assertion, as Taiwan’s Status Looms in Diplomatic Discourse
Beijing on Tuesday claimed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had reaffirmed India’s long-standing One-China policy, with Jaishankar reportedly telling visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that “Taiwan is part of China”.
While New Delhi maintained there has been “no change” in India’s position on Taiwan, official sources underlined that India’s engagement with Taipei is limited to economy, technology, and cultural exchanges, without diplomatic recognition.
Beijing’s Version of Talks
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, in its readout of Wang’s meetings in New Delhi, quoted both Jaishankar and Doval as backing Beijing’s sensitivities on Taiwan. Doval was cited as saying: India has consistently adhered to the One-China policy.”
Wang Yi, in turn, emphasized that the world is at a “critical crossroads” and that China and India, as two of the largest developing nations, must “demonstrate global responsibility” and resist “unilateralism and bullying acts.”
He invoked last year’s Xi–Modi meeting in Kazan, highlighting resumed border dialogues, revived people-to-people exchanges, and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims in Tibet (Xizang). Wang added that the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and India offered “an opportunity to deepen political mutual trust.”
India’s Clarification
Indian officials, however, nuanced Beijing’s version. They stressed India has always acknowledged the One-China principle, but since 2010, New Delhi has avoided explicitly repeating the phrase in joint statements.
“Like the rest of the world, we have economic and cultural relations with Taiwan. That is the extent of it. Our position has not changed,” an official source said Tuesday.
Taiwan’s Shadow in Diplomacy
The issue underscores the delicate balancing act New Delhi pursues. On one hand, India respects Beijing’s sensitivities and refrains from any formal recognition of Taipei. On the other hand, Taiwan’s emergence as a technology powerhouse—particularly in semiconductors—has created space for pragmatic engagement.
India and Taiwan maintain representative offices in each other’s capitals, focusing on trade, education, and culture. In recent years, Taiwan has also collaborated with Indian firms in electronics manufacturing and AI research.
This ambiguity has roots in Taiwan’s unique political journey:
Timeline: Taiwan’s Path to De Facto Statehood
1949 – Chinese Civil War Ends
Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang (KMT) retreats to Taiwan after defeat by Mao Zedong’s Communist Party. The Republic of China (ROC) government continues to function from Taipei.
1950s–1970s – Cold War Era
The US and many countries recognize the ROC in Taiwan as “China.” Taiwan retained China’s seat at the United Nations until 1971.
1971 – UN Recognition Shift
UN Resolution 2758 transfers China’s UN seat to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing, sidelining Taiwan internationally.
1979 – US–US-China Normalization
Washington formally recognizes the PRC but passes the Taiwan Relations Act, allowing continued arms sales and unofficial ties.
1987 – Democratization in Taiwan
Martial law ends; Taiwan evolves into a vibrant democracy, distinguishing itself politically from the PRC.
1992 – “One-China” Understanding
An ambiguous consensus: both sides accept “One China” but differ on interpretation (PRC = Beijing; ROC = Taipei).
2000s–2020s – Rising International Role
Taiwan builds economic clout, particularly in semiconductors (TSMC), and strengthens cultural and people-to-people ties worldwide, despite limited diplomatic recognition (currently recognized by only 12–13 states).
Today – Strategic Ambiguity
Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy, but Beijing continues to claim it as an inseparable part of China, making it a flashpoint in global geopolitics.
The India–China–Taiwan Triangle
Analysts point out that India’s Taiwan ties are now more visible in tech, supply chains, and education, especially as New Delhi seeks alternatives to Chinese imports in sensitive sectors.
Yet, with China watching carefully, any public articulation becomes a diplomatic minefield. The reiteration of the One-China stance—whether explicit or implicit—remains a symbol of India’s cautious navigation between strategic engagement with Taiwan and managing its volatile relationship with Beijing.
