Beijing Claims Jaishankar Affirms Taiwan as Part of China; No Shift in Ties with Taipei

A diplomatic exchange unfolded after Beijing claimed that during meetings with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated that “Taiwan is part of China” and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reiterated India’s “consistent adherence” to the One-China policy. China’s official readout also quoted Jaishankar and Doval as emphasizing the need for deeper trust, cooperation, and stronger bilateral relations.

Responding to this, Indian official sources clarified that there has been “no change” in India’s stance on Taiwan. India continues to follow the One-China policy, which recognizes Taiwan as part of China, but its ties with Taipei remain confined to trade, technology, and cultural cooperation. India does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. However, since 2010, joint statements with China have avoided explicitly referencing One-China, signaling India’s cautious approach. Sources reiterated that India intends to continue its limited Taiwan engagement without altering its longstanding position.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement, in English, quoted Jaishankar as saying, “Stable, cooperative, and forward-looking India-China relations serve the interests of both countries. Taiwan is part of China.” Similarly, Doval was quoted as stressing India’s consistent adherence to One-China.

The readout also included broader geopolitical reflections. Wang Yi criticized unilateralism and protectionist policies—an indirect reference to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff moves—warning that global free trade and the international order face severe threats. He emphasized that as the two largest developing nations with a combined population of 2.8 billion, China and India should act responsibly, promote multipolarity, and demonstrate unity to strengthen global democracy in international relations.

According to the Chinese account, Wang highlighted the October 2024 meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan, which set the stage for resuming exchanges and stabilizing ties. Both sides have been implementing agreements reached by their leaders, restoring dialogue at various levels, ensuring border stability, and allowing Indian pilgrims to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet (Xizang).

Wang described India-China relations as showing a positive trend toward cooperation, especially as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. He urged both countries to learn from the past, view each other as partners rather than rivals, and invest resources in mutual development. China, he said, remains committed to amity, inclusiveness, and shared prosperity, encouraging India to move in the same direction to consolidate bilateral improvements.

Importantly, China assured India that it would address three key concerns—fertilizer supply, access to rare earths, and tunnel boring machinery—critical for India’s development needs.

The readout also quoted Jaishankar as acknowledging that bilateral ties have been gradually improving from past lows, with increasing normalization in exchanges across sectors. He expressed appreciation for China’s facilitation of Indian pilgrims and underlined the need for improved strategic perceptions between the two nations.

Both sides reaffirmed support for multilateralism, balanced multipolarity, and world economic stability. Jaishankar reportedly said India seeks to use the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations to deepen political trust, expand economic and cultural cooperation, and maintain border peace. India also expressed support for China hosting the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tianjin Summit and voiced commitment to coordination within BRICS and other global platforms.

In conclusion, while Beijing highlighted Jaishankar’s and Doval’s remarks as clear support for the One-China policy and deeper cooperation, Indian officials emphasized continuity in policy—acknowledging economic and cultural ties with Taiwan while affirming no shift in formal stance. The discussions reflected cautious optimism, with both sides aiming for stable, cooperative relations amid ongoing global challenges.