New Delhi: A bitter verbal spat broke out between China and Taiwan after the Chinese Embassy asked the Indian media to follow 'One China Policy'. Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu asked the Chinese Embassy in India to 'Get Lost' after the latter asked Indian media not to 'recognise' Taiwan by celebrating 'National Day of Taiwan'. Taiwan is going to celebrate her National Day on October 10.
"India is the largest democracy on Earth with a vibrant press and freedom-loving people. But it looks like communist China is hoping to march into the subcontinent by imposing censorship", a tweet from Taiwan foreign ministry read.
"Taiwan's Indian friends will have one reply 'GET LOST'. The tweet was undersigned with initials - JW or Joseph Wu, the foreign minister of Taiwan".
Ahead of the celebration of Taiwan's National Day, the Chinese mission in India wrote to the Indian media and called upon them to not refer to Taiwan as a "nation".
Chinese mission in a letter said, " Regarding the so-called forthcoming 'National Day of Taiwan', the Chinese Embassy in India would like to remind our media friends and 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".
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"Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. These facts are recognised by UN resolution and constitute the universal consensus of the international community. All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honour their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government," it said.
“We hope Indian media can stick to the Indian government's position on the 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.
"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 or China-related reports," it added.
October 10, 2011, marks the start of Wuchang uprising leading to the end of China's Qing Dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China. This day is marked in Taiwan, and this year will be celebrated amid tensions between China and Taiwan.
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