China has strongly condemned a U.S. Pentagon report that suggests Beijing is exploiting eased border tensions with India to weaken ties with the United States, while simultaneously expanding defense cooperation with Pakistan. Chinese officials have labeled the report as an effort to “sow discord” and promote a false narrative.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian articulated China’s position, stating that the report “distorts China’s defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the U.S. to maintain its military supremacy.” He emphasized that China firmly opposes such assessments, viewing them as part of an annual U.S. strategy to interfere in other nations’ affairs and create unfounded fears about China’s military strength.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang described the report as a reflection of “erroneous views” and “strong geopolitical bias.” He accused the U.S. of exaggerating a “Chinese military threat” to mislead the global community and acknowledged that China’s defense policy and military development are often subject to misinterpretation. While declining to elaborate on specifics of China-Pakistan defense cooperation, Zhang called for the U.S. to halt its fabrications and confrontational rhetoric.
Addressing its relationship with India, China reiterated its long-term strategic outlook. “We stand ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly handle differences with India, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship,” Lin Jian stated. He affirmed that the border situation along the Line of Actual Control is stable and that communication channels remain open, while criticizing “groundless and irresponsible comments” from external sources. The U.S. report had cited China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh and extensive defense and space collaboration with Pakistan as key developments.