China warns India to ?not take any chances? over border dispute

China on Monday issued its strongest warning yet to India over their month-long border dispute, saying Beijing will protect its sovereignty ?at all costs?, according to South China Morning Post.nnSpeaking at a press briefing, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Wu Qian said also that China plans to strengthen its ?targeted deployment and exercises? along the disputed border and said India should ?have no illusions? about its military?s commitment.nnHis comments came just a week after state broadcaster CCTV reported that Chinese troops had taken part in a military exercise using live ammunition on the Tibetan plateau.nnThe location was not far from Doklam, where Chinese and Indian forces remain locked in a stand-off sparked by a road construction project in a disputed border area at the tri-junction with Bhutan.nnThe construction project was ?appropriate and legal?, Wu said, adding that it was New Delhi that had violated Chinese sovereignty and international laws.nnHe reiterated China?s position that the withdrawal of Indian troops was the ?prerequisite and foundation? for peace talks, and that India should ?correct its mistakes and stop its provocations?.nnSpeaking just a week ahead of the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People?s Liberation Army, which falls on August 1, Wu was keen to make the message clear.nn?We urge the Indian side not to take any chances and hold any illusions,? he said, adding that China had strengthened its capabilities in safeguarding its national sovereignty over the past 90 years.nn?It?s easier to shake a mountain than to shake the PLA,? he said.nnWhen asked if Beijing was planning to hold a parade to celebrate the military?s anniversary, Wu said Beijing ?would make an announcement at an appropriate time?.