China has strongly rejected a Pentagon report that claimed Beijing is leveraging the reduced border tensions with India to undermine the growing ties between India and the United States. The report also highlighted the deepening defence cooperation between China and Pakistan, including potential plans to establish a military base in the country.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian labeled the Pentagon’s claims as “irresponsible”, accusing the report of attempting to create false narratives that aimed at sowing discord and bolstering US military supremacy.
China’s Position on India-Pakistan Relations
According to Lin Jian, China views its relationship with India from a strategic perspective and remains focused on strengthening communication, trust, and cooperation between the two nations. He stressed that China was committed to managing differences with India through smooth communication channels, while asserting that the current border situation between the two countries is stable.
The US report had claimed that China is capitalizing on the de-escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where India and China have had territorial disputes for decades. The report indicated that China’s primary goal is to stabilize bilateral relations with India and prevent further strengthening of the US-India relationship.
The Dispute Over Border and Military Developments
The report from the US Department of War also pointed out China’s expanding military presence and its partnership with Pakistan in areas like defence and space. It raised concerns over China’s consideration of setting up additional military bases in Pakistan, which Beijing did not directly address in its response.
The Chinese Defence Ministry echoed these sentiments, denouncing the report as a misrepresentation of China’s national defence policy, accusing the US of interfering in China’s internal matters.
China’s Long-term Strategic Outlook
In the wake of the Pentagon’s accusations, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang warned that such reports distort China’s defence policy and mislead the international community about the real nature of China’s military development. He also emphasized that the disputes over territorial claims such as Arunachal Pradesh and the South China Sea should not be used to fuel unnecessary tension in international relations.
China’s Response to US Influence in India
China also reacted to US Defence Secretary Amit Shah’s comments about US-India ties, asserting that such statements were intended to intimidate and create division between the two nations. Lin Jian concluded by stating that the US should refrain from further provoking confrontation and instead allow the countries in the region to manage their relations independently.
Conclusion: Diplomatic Strain and Global Implications
The India-China relationship has become a focal point of geopolitical tension, with competing interests from global superpowers such as the US and China playing a significant role in shaping the dynamics in South Asia. Despite these challenges, China remains firm in its commitment to strategic diplomacy with India, aiming to maintain peaceful cooperation while dealing with its broader regional ambitions.
