What started as a mere congratulatory message from Taiwan to Narendra Modi for taking oath as Prime Minister has now turned into an online clash. Hours after taking objection to Prime Minister Modi’s remarks that he is keen to build closer ties with Taiwan, China has now said that there is no such thing as a ‘President’ in the Taiwan region.

“There is no such thing as a “president” of the Taiwan region. Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India wrote in an Xpost.

“The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is an indisputable fact, the universal consensus of the international community, and a fundamental norm in international relations,” the embassy tweeted.

Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry had criticised China, expressing displeasure over the cordial exchange between India and Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry tweeted, “China’s anger at the cordial exchange between the leaders of two democracies is completely unjustified. Friendship can never be built on threats and intimidation. Taiwan is committed to building a partnership with India based on mutual benefit and shared values.”

How did this happen

Earlier, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his victory in the general elections.

“My heartfelt congratulations to the Prime Minister on his election victory. We look forward to enhancing the rapidly growing Taiwan-India partnership, expanding our cooperation in trade, technology and other areas, to contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” Lai wrote in a message posted on Twitter.

Responding to Lai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Lai Ching-te, thank you for your warm message. I look forward to further close ties as we work towards mutually beneficial economic and technological partnership.”

Later, China protests exchange between India and TaiwanHe stressed that New Delhi should oppose the “political tactics” of Taiwanese authorities.

“First of all, there is no such thing as a ‘president’ of the Taiwan region,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said during a media briefing.

When asked to comment on the talks, he said, “As for your question, China opposes all forms of official interactions between Taiwanese authorities and countries that have diplomatic relations with China. There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.”

Mao said, “The one-China principle is a universally recognized norm in international relations and there is a consensus in the international community.” He further said, “India has made serious political commitments on it and is expected to recognize, be concerned and oppose the political calculations of the Taiwan authorities. China has expressed its protest to India on this.”

Taiwan’s President Lai called on Beijing to stop intimidating the self-ruled island in his inaugural speech on May 20 after his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has for years championed democracy despite growing threats from China, won reelection.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must be reunified with the mainland, even if done by force.

America’s response to China’s objection

Amid protests from China over the exchange, America said this about the congratulatory message between two foreign leaders These were part of the “normal course of diplomatic work”.

“I would say these kinds of congratulatory messages are normal diplomatic practice,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters at his daily briefing on Thursday.