China's Defense Ministry warns India of its bottom line

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India must give up the "illusion of its delaying tactic" and immediately withdraw its troops from Chinese territory, Defense Ministry spokesman Ren Guoqiang said in a statement late Thursday night.

The Chinese armed forces have shown a high level of restraint since Indian troops illegally crossed the border at the Sikkim section into Chinese territory on June 18, but "goodwill has its principles and restraint has its bottom line," Ren said, adding that the Chinese military will resolutely protect the country's territorial sovereignty and security interests.

The Indian troops' trespass into Chinese territory. /Chinese Foreign Ministry Photo

There were still more than 40 Indian troops and one bulldozer "illegally staying in Chinese territory" at the end of July, according to a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

No country should underestimate the Chinese forces' confidence and capability to safeguard peace and their resolve and willpower to defend national sovereignty, security and development interests, said Ren.

CGTN Graphic

India's behavior has violated China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and is against the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet signed in 1890 and the Charter of the United Nations, Ren noted, describing India's behavior as a "blatant violation" of the basic principles of international law and basic norms governing international relations.

He urged India to swiftly address the situation in an appropriate manner to restore peace in the border region.