In its first official comment on Taiwan since U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit that inflamed tensions with China, India urged “the exercise of restraint, avoidance of unilateral actions to change status quo, de-escalation of tensions and efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region”, cautiously avoiding a direct message to either the U.S. or China. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, asked about India’s stand on the ‘One China Policy,’ said “India’s relevant policies are well known and consistent. They do not require reiteration,” without reaffirming it. Kallol Bhattacherjee reports.
India’s remarks came days after China’s military said it had “successfully completed” its drills, after nearly a week of military exercises surrounding Taiwan, while Beijing yet again pledged to seek “reunification”. Ananth Krishnan reports.
While some 170 countries, including some of India’s neighbours, are firmly backing the ‘One China Policy,’ the West has continued to be critical, especially over China’s military drills. The U.K. Foreign Secretary pointed to “increasingly aggressive behaviour and rhetoric” from Beijing in recent months, which “threaten peace and stability in the region”, and summoned the Chinese Ambassador over recent developments. Sriram Lakshman reports.
