New Delhi, August 18, 2025 – The latest round of India–China talks in New Delhi underscored a sharp divide in messaging between the two capitals.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with the focus squarely on restoring peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and pursuing de-escalation. Indian officials confirmed that Jaishankar pressed for stability on the border as the priority.
What did not happen is just as significant: there was no reaffirmation of the “One China” policy from the Indian side.
Chinese Communist Party Propaganda Exposed
Chinese state media, through Xinhua, released a Chinese-language note claiming that Jaishankar had “reaffirmed that Taiwan is part of China.” New Delhi pushed back within hours. The Ministry of External Affairs clarified: “There is no change in India’s position on Taiwan.”
India’s position is consistent: ties with Taipei will continue on the economic, technology, and cultural track. That does not amount to a new or renewed “One China” pledge.
A Deliberate Pattern
For more than a decade, India has avoided publicly reiterating “One China.” This shift began after Beijing issued stapled visas to Indian citizens from Jammu & Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, effectively questioning India’s sovereignty. Since then, New Delhi has chosen silence rather than echo Beijing’s formula.
Yesterday’s meeting was no different. India kept the spotlight on the LAC standoff and refused to indulge China’s narrative on Taiwan.
Jaishankar-Wang Yi meeting in summary:
- Focus: Border peace and de-escalation.
- India’s stance on Taiwan: No change, no reaffirmation of “One China.”
- Beijing’s claim: Spin through Xinhua, swiftly countered by India.
- Pattern: Delhi hasn’t publicly backed “One China” in over a decade, and it didn’t yesterday.
In plain words: no concessions, no genuflection. Delhi held its line and kept the agenda on the border, not Beijing’s talking points.
