Anglo-Chinese Convention of 1890

The Anglo-Chinese Convention of 1890 was an agreement between Great Britain and Qing China concerning Sikkim and Tibet. Its Article I prescribed the Sikkim-Tibet frontier through a natural watershed rather than through straight lines or geographical coordinates.

Prescribed boundary alignment

The frontier was to follow the crest of the mountain range separating waters flowing into the Teesta and its tributaries in Sikkim from waters flowing into the Tibetan Mochu and northwards into other rivers of Tibet. It therefore adopted the main water-parting as the boundary principle.

Starting point and course

The prescribed line commenced at Mount Gipmochi on the Bhutan frontier and followed the stated water-parting until it met Nepalese territory. Thus, the convention described the entire Sikkim-Tibet frontier by reference to terrain and drainage divisions.

Significance of the wording

The provision makes the watershed alignment the controlling geographical description, while Mount Gipmochi supplies its eastern commencement. Interpretation consequently depends upon matching the historical place-name and treaty wording with the actual mountain crest and drainage pattern.