Pentagon Says China Working To Prevent US-India Ties; Beijing Slams ‘Distortion’ | World News

The United States Department of Defense has alleged that China is trying to take advantage of the de-escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India to prevent closer strategic ties between New Delhi and Washington.

The Pentagon, in its annual report on China to the US Congress, stated that Beijing “is likely seeking to take advantage of reduced tensions along the LAC to stabilize bilateral relations and prevent a deepening of US-India ties.” The assessment comes as India and China struggle to manage border frictions in eastern Ladakh following years of military tensions.

China has vehemently denied the Pentagon’s claims, accusing Washington of misrepresenting Beijing’s defense posture and trying to create divisions between China and other countries.

Responding to the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the Pentagon’s assessment “distorted China’s defense policy, sowed discord between China and other countries, and aimed to find an excuse for the United States to maintain its military superiority.” He added that China “strongly opposes” the report.

Lin Jian emphasized that China approaches its relations with India from a “strategic height and a long-term perspective”. He said Beijing is willing to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation and properly manage differences to develop a stable and healthy bilateral relationship.

Regarding the border issue, the Chinese spokesperson said that the border issue is strictly an issue between China and India, adding that the current situation on the border is generally stable with existing communication mechanisms in place. He also criticized what he called other countries’ “unfounded and irresponsible comments” on Sino-Indian relations.