China Dismisses US Defense Report, Emphasizes Bilateral Approach to India Relations
China has firmly rejected a recent report from the United States Department of Defense regarding its stance towards India. Beijing accused Washington of distorting its defense policy, aiming to hinder the improving relations between Beijing and New Delhi.
During a routine press conference, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, emphasized that China views its relationship with India from a strategic and long-term perspective. Lin strongly opposed any external intervention in what China considers a bilateral border issue between itself and India.
Lin Jian's comments were in response to the US defense report titled Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025. The report suggested that China might be using the recent de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilize relations with India and curb the growing strategic alignment between the US and India.
Lin stated that China opposes any third party's irresponsible remarks or judgments on China-India relations, urging Washington to refrain from creating discord in the region.
The US report highlighted an agreement from October 2024 between India and China to disengage at remaining friction points along the LAC. This agreement was announced shortly before a meeting between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit.
Following this meeting, the two countries resumed high-level monthly dialogues, focusing on border management and confidence-building measures, including direct flights, visa facilitation, and exchanges among academics and journalists.
While US analysts perceive these developments as tactical, Lin Jian maintained that China seeks stable and constructive relations with India, managed independently of external pressures.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which significantly strained bilateral relations and led to prolonged military standoffs. Despite multiple rounds of talks resulting in partial disengagements, full normalization depends on maintaining peace along the border.
India has consistently stated that normal relations with China cannot be restored unless peace and tranquility are achieved along the LAC, as reiterated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
China's rejection of the US report reflects its broader concerns about US-led alliances like the Quad, which includes India, the US, Japan, and Australia. Beijing accuses Washington of inflating the "China threat" to justify alliances aimed at containing it.
Meanwhile, India continues to balance its deepening defense cooperation with the US, such as through initiatives like iCET and Quad exercises, while maintaining strategic autonomy by engaging with Russia and platforms like BRICS.
Despite ongoing dialogue and record bilateral trade, mutual distrust remains, exacerbated by China's infrastructure developments near the LAC and unresolved diplomatic issues. As 2025 progresses, experts indicate that the tenuous calm along the border will test whether strategic restraint can prevail over great-power rivalry.
China's dismissal of the US report clearly emphasizes its desire for India to manage bilateral ties independently of Washington, even as geopolitical competition in Asia escalates.
