In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Defense warned New Delhi not to "harbor any illusions" about deriving possible gains from its adventure in sending troops across the demarcated and mutually recognized Sikkim section of the border into Chinese territory.

The People's Liberation Army's determination to defend China's sovereignty and territorial integrity is resolute, MOD spokesman Wu Qian told a news conference, adding that "it is easier to shake a mountain than to shake the PLA".

The warning should not be taken lightly.