China Rejects Pentagon Claim of Using India Border Calm to Weaken US Ties
New Delhi: China's Foreign Ministry on Thursday (December 25) sharply criticised the Pentagon's latest annual report on Chinese military developments, dismissing assertions that Beijing is attempting to exploit improved border relations with India to undermine US-India ties.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described the Pentagon report as a distortion of China's defence policy that seeks to "sow discord between China and other countries" while providing justification for American military dominance.
“China firmly opposes the report,” Lin stated, responding to a question about the Pentagon's Annual assessment on Chinese military.
The Pentagon report, released earlier this week, suggested that China "probably seeks to capitalise on decreased tension" along the Line of Actual Control with India following an October 2024 disengagement agreement. The document speculated that Beijing aims to "prevent the deepening of US-India ties" through stabilized bilateral relations with New Delhi.
Lin rejected this characterisation, emphasising that China approaches its relationship with India “from a strategic height and a long-term perspective.” He said Beijing remains committed to strengthening communication, enhancing mutual trust, and properly managing differences with its southern neighbour.
“The boundary question is a matter between China and India and the current border situation between the two countries is generally stable with smooth communication channels,” Lin said, adding that China opposes “groundless and irresponsible comments” from third parties.
In October 2024, the two nations announced an agreement on disengagement at remaining standoff points along the Line of Actual Control, two days before a meeting between Chinese president Xi Jinping and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit.
Since then, both countries have engaged in regular high-level discussions covering border management, restored direct flights, relaxed visa restrictions, and encouraged exchanges of academics and journalists.
The US assessment noted that “mutual distrust and other irritants almost certainly limit the bilateral relationship,” suggesting India “probably remains sceptical of China's actions and motives.”
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