China on Tuesday asked Indian border troops, to withdraw and safeguard peace and tranquillity in the area. China had alleged that Indian border troops had crossed the Sikkim section of the India-China border. There are reports of an ensuing standoff between the militaries of both sides at the border.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang stated that India should respect the boundary convention and China’s sovereignty by immediately withdrawing border troops that had crossed the border. The military spokesperson also suggested that India carry out an investigation into the matter.
The military spokesperson also clarified that entry of the first batch of around 50 Indian pilgrims scheduled to travel to Kailash Mansarovar through the Nathu La pass in Sikkim had been denied due to security concerns. The spokesperson added that the same had been communicated to India through proper diplomatic channel.
The Sikkim sector of the India-China border is an undisputed boundary between India and China, having been defined by the Convention between Great Britain and China relating to Sikkim and Tibet in 1890. The Indian government has repeatedly provided written confirmations to China since independence of India’s acceptance of the India-China border at Sikkim.