Chola incident

The 1967 Sino-Indian skirmish also known as the Chola incident, was a military conflict between Indian troops and members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Sikkim, who had infiltrated the area on 1 October. On 10 October, once again both sides had the conflict, the Defence Minister of India, Sardar Swaran Singh addressed that government is looking after the developments across the borders. During whole conflict Indian losses were 88 killed, and 163 wounded, while Chinese casualties were 300 killed and 450 wounded in Nathula, and 40 in Chola. The end of the battle saw the People's Liberation Army retreat from Sikkim.

Location
The conflict occurred in Sikkim, which later became a state of India in 1975. India was responsible for the defense of Sikkim which was a protectorate at that time. The region is one of high altitudes and thus mountainous maneuvers were crucial in battle. Early Chinese positions in regions of higher altitudes would thus have provided them with an advantage. To reclaim high ground would generally require a higher ratio of attackers to defenders.

Background
China has claimed that the McMahon Line created by Britain in NEFA was illegal. China eventually recognized Sikkim as an Indian state in 2003, on the condition that India accepted Tibet Autonomous Region as a part of China. This mutual agreement led to a thaw in Sino-Indian relations.