The MEA spokesperson also pointed to the joint vision statement issued during the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing in January. “The two sides stated, and I could quote, ‘the Indian side recalls that India was among the first countries to recognise that there is one China... The Indian side states it will continue to abide by One China policy and oppose any activity that is against One China principle’,” he said.

The statements assume significance in the wake of Chinese action in Tibet and India’s reserved criticism to it. While the Tibetan government in exile works out of Dharamsala, India is cautious not to let this issue adversely affect the Sino-Indian relationship.

Taiwan, however, is one issue where India can express its open solidarity with China and New Delhi clearly does not wish to fall behind on this.