BEIJING – China urged India on Oct 17 to handle Taiwan issues with caution and avoid interference in the improvement of Sino-India relations following the opening of another Taiwan de facto consulate in Mumbai.

       China opposes moves by any countries it has ties with to engage in official contacts with Taiwan, said Ms Mao Ning, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson, at a regular news conference.

       The Taiwanese government opened its third representative office in India on Oct 16, Taiwan’s official Central News Agency reported, adding to existing offices in New Delhi and Chennai.

       The opening came amid ongoing efforts from China and India to ease tensions and resolve conflicts on their Himalayan frontier, a point of contention that has strained bilateral ties.

       China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, staged a new round of war games around the island earlier this week.

       Taiwan’s government rejects China’s sovereignty claims and Beijing’s claim of the right to speak for and represent the island on the international stage

       “China has lodged solemn representations with the Indian side,” Ms Mao said.

       “The ‘one China’ principle is a serious political commitment made by the Indian side and the political foundation of Sino-Indian relations.”

       China urges India to strictly abide by its commitments, handle Taiwan-related issues prudently and properly, and refrain from conducting any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, she added. REUTERS