BEIJING – China on Monday urged India to withdraw its troops unconditionally from the Doklam Plateau and avoid underestimating Beijing’s determination to safeguard its territory.
Senior Colonel Wu Qian, the spokesman of China’s Ministry of National Defense, said the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is determined to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the ongoing border row with India, CGTN news reported.
He was speaking at a press conference on the achievements of the PLA in the 90 years since its founding.
Replying to a question, the spokesperson said that when China tried to construct a road in the Doklam border region, also claimed by Indian ally Bhutan, in June, India deployed troops to block the project.
Wu said that maintaining the peace and stability in the region is in favour of both Chinese and Indian people.
“It is easy to shake a mountain, but no way to shake the PLA,” he said, adding, “Here is a wish to remind India, do not push your luck and cling to any fantasies.”
According to Dawn News, India has asked both sides to pull out forces and a negotiated settlement to the standoff.
Both countries share a 3,500-kilometer (2,174-mile) border, much of it contested, and China is a key partner of Pakistan, India’s archrival.
