SOURCE: INDIA TODAY
Aday after the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi objected to Indian media reporting on ‘National Day of Taiwan’, the Ministry of External Affairs reminded the Chinese that Indian media is a “free” entity and they can report on any issue they deem “fit”.
“There is a free media in India and reports as it sees fit,” Anurag Srivastava, MEA spokesperson, told the media during the weekly briefing on Thursday. The Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong reiterated Beijing’s position on the issue of Taiwan saying that any idea of Taiwan’s independence is just “wishful thinking” and said that the world, including India accepts the “One-China” policy.
“Responding DPP authority: There is only one #China in the world.#Taiwan is inalienable part of China’s territory. One-China policy is int’l universal consensus&long-standing position of #Indian govt,which China appreciates. It’s wishful thinking to seek any “Taiwan independence”…,” she tweeted.
On Wednesday a war of words broke out between Taiwan and China when the Chinese embassy in New Delhi decided to write an open letter to the Indian media not to “recognise” Taiwan by celebrating or marking “National Day of Taiwan”.
“Regarding the so-called forthcoming “National Day of Taiwan”, the Chinese Embassy in India would like to remind our media friends that there is only one China in the world, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” read the Chinese embassy letter.
Calling India to honour the “commitment” to the “One-China” policy, the letter added, “These facts are recognized by UN resolution and constitute the universal consensus of the international community. All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honor their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government.”
Taiwan is going to celebrate her National Day on October 10.
In response, to the letter, the foreign ministry of Taiwan in a tweet signed off by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told China that Taiwan’s Indian friends would ask Beijing to “get lost”.
The message was from Taipei to Beijing. “#India is the largest democracy on Earth with a vibrant press & freedom-loving people. But it looks like communist #China is hoping to march into the subcontinent by imposing censorship. #Taiwan’s Indian friends will have one reply: GET LOST! JW,” read the tweet.
The Chinese embassy also hoped Indian media will stick to what they called Indian government position while Beijing continues to violate India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty be it at the India-China border at the LAC or by not recognising Pakistan-Occupied territories of Jammu and Kashmir as integral part of India.
“We hope Indian media can stick to Indian government’s position on Taiwan question and do not violate the One-China principle. In particular, Taiwan shall not be referred to as a “country(nation)” or “Republic of China” or the leader of China’s Taiwan region as “President”, so as not to send the wrong signals to the general public,” said the Chinese embassy letter.
Adding, “The Chinese Embassy in India appreciates the good faith and efforts by friends from the media. We are willing to maintain communication with media friends on China-related reports.”
“Willing” to maintain communication is basically indicating to the INdian media that “Taiwan” is a redline. If crossed then the embassy will block access or shut communication.
Meanwhile, Taiwan and her partners across the world are prepared to celebrate Taiwan’s National Day on October 10.
A tweet by the spokesperson of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said, “Let’s celebrate #Taiwan’s National Day together on Oct. 10th! Watch the live stream on @iingwen & show the world that we are all #ProudOfTaiwan. Oct. 10th from 8:50AM (GMT+8). President Tsai Ing-wen’s National Day address begins at 10:20AM.”
Let’s celebrate #Taiwan’s National Day together on Oct. 10th! Watch the live stream on @iingwen & show the world that we are all #ProudOfTaiwan. Oct. 10th from 8:50AM (GMT+8). President Tsai Ing-wen’s National Day address begins at 10:20AM.
