China warns India to handle Taiwan issue with caution

China-India conflict assumed a new angle on Thursday with China urging, rather warning, India to handle Taiwan issue with caution and avoid any strain in Sino-India relations after Taiwan opened its consulate in Mumbai.

China has been claiming democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory while Taiwan has been maintaining that it is a sovereign nation; and that Beijing's cannot claim the right to speak for and represent the island on the international stage.

“China opposes moves by any countries it has ties with to engage in official contacts with Taiwan,” said Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokesperson, reported news organisations. “China has lodged solemn representations with the Indian side," Mao said.

Traditionally, India recognises Taiwan as a nation with a rich past and culture, aligned with India since long. The Taiwanese government opened its third representative office in India on Wednesday, adding to the existing offices in New Delhi and Chennai. India is yet to make its response to the Chinese statement.