On Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry accused Indian troops of “crossing the boundary” in Sikkim. In a statement released by the ministry, it said that it has lodged a diplomatic protest in capitals of both the nations, and has demanded the immediate withdrawal of troops from the area.
China also said that the country has shut entry for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim for “safety reasons”.
“We have lodged solemn representations in Beijing and New Delhi to elaborate on our solemn position,” Lu Kang, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, told the media.
“China urges India to immediately withdraw its border guards that have crossed the boundary and have a thorough investigation of this matter,” another spokesperson, Geng Shuang, said. He also said that the entry of troops has hindered the everyday activities at Chinese frontier forces.
“The Indian border guards crossed the boundary in the Sikkim section of the China-India border and entered the territory of China, and obstructed normal activities of Chinese frontier forces in the Donglang area recently, and the Chinese side has taken counter-measures,” the spokesperson said.
On Monday, Ren Guoqiang, China’s defence ministry spokesman, said that reportedly the Indian government has given confirmation in writing to treaties defining Sikkim section of China-India boundaries. “China urges India to respect boundary treaties and China’s territorial sovereignty to maintain peace and stability at the China-India boundary,” Geng said. “Our position to uphold our territorial sovereignty is unwavering. We hope the Indian side can work with China in the same direction and immediately withdraw the personnel who have overstepped and trespassed into Chinese border,” he added.
