Ease Tensions Along LAC, Stablise Relations With India, Sideline US – Is It China’s Low-Key Border Strategy? | World News
China’s Border Strategy: A report by the United States Department of Defense reveals China’s approach to India, especially at a time when tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are clearly easing. He argues that Beijing appears keen to use this lull at the border to stabilize its relations with New Delhi as it seeks to slow the growing rapprochement between India and the US.
The assessment titled ‘Military and Security Developments Concerning the People’s Republic of China to 2025’ is part of the Pentagon’s annual report presented to the US Congress on Tuesday, December 23.
The document states that in October 2024, India and China agreed to withdraw their troops from tension points along the LAC. This announcement comes just two days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to meet on the sidelines of BRICS.
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Following the Modi-Xi meeting, a series of high-level contacts resumed between the two countries. These interactions focused on border management and the future direction of bilateral relations, the report said.
Issues such as resumption of direct flights, easing of visa norms and greater exchange of information between academics and journalists from both countries were also discussed during the meetings.
China’s Eyes Have Advantage on the Calm Border
The Pentagon report states: “China likely aims to reduce tensions along the LAC to stabilize relations with India. It may also try to take advantage of this process to prevent further strengthening of India-US relations.”
The report also notes that New Delhi remains cautious about Beijing’s intentions. He adds that deep-seated mistrust and unresolved differences are expected to continue to limit the overall scope of the bilateral relationship.
Over the past few months, both India and China have taken steps towards normalizing relations, gaining momentum since October last year. In July, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens. Both sides recently agreed on measures to encourage people-to-people contact. These include revival of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, restoration of direct air connectivity, celebrations of 75 years of diplomatic relations and smoother visa processes.
Direct flights between the two countries resumed in October. In August, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi agreed to work to strengthen ties, address common challenges and make progress on the long-standing border dispute.
China’s Long-Term Strategy to 2049
The report also sheds light on Beijing’s broader national goals. It is stated that China’s long-term strategy focuses on achieving the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049. Under this vision, China aims to expand its global influence and build a “world-class” military that can fight and win wars while protecting the country’s sovereignty, security and development interests.
According to the Pentagon, China identifies three “core interests” as non-negotiable pillars of this strategy: maintaining control of the Chinese Communist Party, maintaining economic growth, and protecting and expanding sovereignty and territorial claims.
The report says Beijing includes Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands and territorial claims linked to India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh in this definition of core interests.
US View of the Indo-Pacific and China
Regarding the Indo-Pacific, the report emphasizes that America’s interests in the region are fundamental but limited and feasible. It makes clear that the United States is not trying to contain, dominate or humiliate China. Instead, Washington aims to ensure that no single country can defeat the United States or its allies in the region.
The Pentagon emphasizes that its priority in the Indo-Pacific is deterrence through force, not conflict. The report states that the United States plans to maintain adequate capacity to deter aggression, thus maintaining peace as the preferred outcome.
He also says President Donald Trump wants stable peace, fair trade and respectful relations with China. The report also states that the Ministry of Defense will work to ensure that these goals are achieved with military force. According to the Pentagon, this approach aims to maintain the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring that trade remains open and fair, countries grow, and everyone’s interests are respected.
