China has strongly criticized a US Pentagon report that claimed Beijing was exploiting eased border tensions with India to weaken New Delhi’s relationship with Washington. Beijing officially labeled the report “irresponsible” and a deliberate distortion of facts aimed at sowing discord between nations. Officials stated the report serves as a pretext for the US to maintain its global military dominance.
The US Department of War’s annual publication, “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025,” suggested that China sought to capitalize on the de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. The report theorized that China’s goal was to stabilize its own bilateral ties while preventing a further deepening of the strategic partnership between India and the United States. It also highlighted significant defense and space cooperation between China and Pakistan, including the possibility of Chinese military facilities in Pakistan.
In separate remarks, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang also rebuked the report. He accused the US of consistently misrepresenting China’s military actions and engaging in “gross interference” in China’s internal affairs. Zhang described the document as laden with “geopolitical bias” and an exaggeration of the “China military threat” intended to mislead the international community. China’s strong opposition and dissatisfaction were conveyed, with a call for the US to cease fabricating narratives and fostering confrontation.
Regarding Sino-Indian relations, Chinese officials affirmed a long-term and strategic perspective. They expressed willingness to enhance communication, build trust, and cooperate with India, while properly managing differences to foster a sound and stable bilateral relationship. The border issue, it was stressed, is a bilateral matter, with the current situation described as generally stable and communication channels remaining open. China opposes “groundless” interference from third parties.
The US report noted a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in October 2024, which occurred soon after agreements to disengage from LAC standoff points. This meeting signaled the commencement of regular high-level dialogues on border management and other exchanges.
China reiterates that its defense policy is fundamentally defensive and rejects the US report’s characterization of its strategic intentions and regional activities as misleading.