China's defense ministry demands India withdraw troops from Doklam area

The Ministry of Defense holds a news conference in Beijing, July 24, 2017. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Ministry of Defense has demanded India immediately withdraw its military from Chinese territory, warning its leaders not to leave things to luck or have unrealistic expectations.

Last month, the Indian military crossed the mutually recognized Sikkim section of the China-India border and trespassed in the Doklam area to disrupt China's road-building in the region, resulting in a faceoff between the nations' troops, according to the ministry.

It is normal and completely legal for a nation to build roads in its own territory, as China is doing, ministry spokesman Wu Qian said at a news conference on Monday.

He said India's actions had severely infringed China's sovereignty and the basic principles of international laws.

China will resolutely protect its territorial sovereignty, and will spare no effort in maintaining its sovereignty and security interests, Wu said, adding that Chinese border troops have begun emergency measures, and will strengthen specific training and deployment.

He said the nation has "strongly demanded" that India withdraw its troops from Chinese territory.

Border security is in the best interests of both nations, Wu said, adding that China has called on India to take measures to correct its mistakes and provocation, and work with China to promote and maintain regional peace and harmony.

China has reminded India not to take dangerous risks or hold unrealistic expectations, he said.

The People's Liberation Army's 90 years of history is testimony to China's capabilities in protecting its sovereignty and its unshakable resolve, Wu said, adding, "It might be easier to shake the mountains than shake the PLA."