China warns India not to harbor illusions about border tensions

China has told India not to harbor illusions about border tensions, saying Beijing's defence capabilities have been "continuously enhanced".

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian. Photo: SCMP.

"Shaking a mountain is easy, but making the People's Liberation Army (PLA) tremble is very difficult," Reuters quoted Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian as saying today. He warned that the PLA's ability to protect China's territory and sovereignty is "continuously strengthening."

The Sino-Indian tension began when a PLA platoon on June 8 took advantage of the darkness to quietly enter the Doklam plateau located between the China-Bhutan border, destroying bunkers that the Bhutanese royal army had built many years ago to serve border patrol.

On June 16, a Chinese engineering unit entered Doklam to build a road across the plateau, but was opposed by the Bhutanese army. The Chinese soldiers refused to withdraw, forcing Bhutan to seek help from India. Two days later, about 300-400 Indian soldiers entered Doklam, blocking the Chinese engineering unit.

Soldiers from both countries then faced off near a Chinese-controlled valley that separates India and Bhutan. The valley gives China access to the so-called Chicken’s Neck, a narrow strip of land that connects India and its remote northeastern regions.

India withdrawing border guards is a prerequisite for resolving the situation, Mr. Ngo said. "India should not leave it to chance and harbor unrealistic illusions." The PLA has taken emergency measures in the region and continues to focus on mobilization and exercises.

Mr. Ngo called on India to take "practical steps to correct mistakes, stop provocations and work with China to safeguard peace in the border area."

Indian officials say about 300 soldiers are facing each other in a 150-meter area. Diplomats from both countries have been talking quietly to ensure tensions do not escalate. India’s ambassador to China is leading efforts to find a way for both sides to de-escalate without losing face.

Chinese media warned that India would face a fate worse than the defeat it suffered in the 1962 border war. Chinese media also reported that the PLA conducted live-fire exercises near the disputed area in July, but did not specify the time or location.

According to VNE