The North News
New Delhi, August 19
India has rejected suggestions that it has altered its position on Taiwan, after Beijing claimed that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had reaffirmed Taiwan as part of China. Sources in New Delhi said on Tuesday that India’s position remained unchanged and consistent, with its engagement with Taiwan focused on economic, technological and cultural cooperation. “Like the rest of the world, India has a relationship with Taiwan in these areas, and we intend to continue it,” sources said.
The Chinese foreign ministry has released a statement saying that Jaishankar expressed readiness to deepen trust and cooperation, including on Taiwan. India’s clarification is the latest in a series of rebuttals aimed at distancing itself from interpretations that suggest policy shifts on sensitive geopolitical issues.
Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister and Politburo member Wang Yi in New Delhi on Monday, stressing that bilateral relations must be guided by “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.”
Jaishankar said both sides needed a candid and constructive approach as they sought to move forward from what he described as a “difficult period” in relations.
Talks covered a wide range of issues, including economic and trade matters, pilgrimages, people-to-people exchanges, border trade, river data sharing, and connectivity. The ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments.
“I am confident that our discussions today would contribute to building a stable, cooperative and forward-looking relationship between India and China,” Jaishankar said after the meeting.
