China has dismissed a Pentagon report linking its border tensions with India to efforts to counter growing India-U.S. ties, calling the assessment “irresponsible” and based on false narratives.
BEIJING – On December 25, China rejected a report from the U.S. Department of Defense that suggested easing border tensions with India was part of Beijing’s strategy to counter the strengthening ties between India and the United States. Chinese officials labeled the assessment as “irresponsible” and rooted in misleading narratives.
During a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that China views its relationship with India from a “strategic and long-term perspective.” He reiterated Beijing’s commitment to maintaining stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two nations. “The boundary question is a matter between China and India, and the current border situation is generally stable with smooth communication channels,” Lin stated. He also expressed opposition to what he termed “groundless and irresponsible comments” made by third parties.
This response came in the wake of the Pentagon’s annual report to Congress, titled “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025.” The report indicated that China might be looking to leverage the de-escalation of tensions along the LAC to stabilize its relations with India and prevent further deepening of U.S.-India ties.
The Pentagon report referenced a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in October 2024. It noted that disengagement agreements at various standoff points had been reached prior to these talks. The report highlighted that this meeting marked the beginning of monthly high-level engagements focused on border management and broader bilateral issues, including direct flights, visa facilitation, and exchanges involving academics and journalists.
In addition to its comments on India, the Pentagon report also outlined China’s expansion of its “core interests” to encompass Taiwan, sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Separately, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang criticized the Pentagon report for emphasizing China’s defense and space cooperation with Pakistan and for implying that Beijing was considering establishing a military base in the country. “The U.S. releases such reports year after year, grossly interfering in China’s internal affairs,” Zhang remarked during a different briefing.
Zhang accused the Pentagon of “maliciously misinterpreting” China’s national defense policy, making “unfounded speculations” about its military development, and exaggerating a “Chinese military threat” to mislead the international community. He expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the report’s conclusions, urging Washington to cease fabricating narratives that provoke confrontation.
These developments reflect ongoing tensions in the region and highlight the complexities of international relations involving major powers like China, India, and the United States, as they navigate their respective interests and security concerns.
According to India West, the situation remains fluid, with both nations striving to manage their bilateral relationship amid external pressures.