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China has taken necessary and emergency measures in response to the Indian border troops crossing into the Chinese territory at the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang told a press briefing on Tuesday. The Indian government has been informed of the matter through the diplomatic channel, Lu said.
“The Indian side should take necessary measures to alleviate the tension caused by their border troops' illegal entry, and create conditions for their pilgrims' travel to Xi Zang via the Nathu-la pass,” Lu told reporters on what could come next.
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There is solid legal evidence to support the delimitation of the Sikkim section of the China-India boundary. It is stated in article one of the Convention Between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet (1890) that "the boundary of Sikkim and Tibet shall be the crest of the mountain range separating the waters flowing into the Sikkim Teesta and its affluents from the waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other rivers of Tibet. The line commences at Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier, and follows the above-mentioned water-parting to the point where it meets Nepal territory." It is without any doubt that the spot where the Indian border troops trespassed is on the Chinese side of the boundary. Both China and the successive Indian governments recognize that the Sikkim section has been delimited. It has been confirmed by the Indian leader, the relevant Indian government document and the Indian delegation at the special representatives' meeting with China on the boundary question that India and China share common view on the 1890 convention's stipulation on the boundary alignment at the Sikkim section. To observe the relevant convention and document is the inescapable international obligation of the Indian side.