Beijing [China]: Amidst the tension between India and China over the Sikkim border issue, a state-run Chinese media has warned that New Delhi would suffer "greater losses" than in 1962 if any attempt is made to incite military conflict.
This came in response to Indian Defence Minister Arun Jatiley's remarks that India of 2017 was different from what it was in 1962.
An opinion piece published in the China's Global Times said that the Chinese public was "infuriated by India's provocation" and "believe that the Chinese People's Liberation Army is powerful enough to expel Indian troops out of Chinese territory."
"If New Delhi believes that its military might can be used as leverage in the Donglang area, and it's ready for a two-and-a-half front war, we have to tell India that the Chinese look down on their military power. Jaitley is right that the India of 2017 is different from that of 1962 - India will suffer greater losses than in 1962 if it incites military conflicts," the report read.
The report further said that China still wants to address the issue through peaceful means and is unwilling to face confrontation in the border area.
"But a peaceful solution must lead to legitimate and justified outcomes. We hope India can face up to the hazards of its unruly actions to the country's fundamental interests and withdraw its troops without delay," the report read.
The present stand-off between India and China emerged after New Delhi expressed its apprehension over Beijing constructing a road in the Donglang area of the Sikkim sector.
China has accused India of violating a 1890 Sino-British treaty defining the boundary between Sikkim and Tibet.
China claimed that the successive Indian governments have repeatedly acknowledged, in writing, that it concurs with China on the boundary convention on Sikkim.