China on Thursday accused the United States of misrepresenting its defence policy in an attempt to interfere with improving relations between China and India. The comments came after the Pentagon suggested Beijing could be seeking to use reduced border tensions with India to prevent closer ties between Washington and New Delhi.
Responding at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said China viewed its relationship with India from a strategic and long-term perspective. He stressed that the long-running border dispute was a bilateral issue between China and India and said Beijing opposed any third party passing judgement on the matter.
The Pentagon said in a report released on Tuesday that China “probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tension” along the disputed border to stabilize relations with India and limit the deepening of U.S.-India ties. The report reflects growing U.S. concern over China’s regional influence and its strategic calculations in South Asia.
China and India are the primary stakeholders, as both countries have been seeking to ease tensions following years of military standoffs along their disputed Himalayan border. The United States is also a key stakeholder, given its expanding strategic and defence partnership with India as part of broader efforts to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
China’s foreign ministry and the U.S. Department of Defense represent official voices shaping the narrative, while regional security dynamics affect neighbouring countries and broader Indo-Pacific alliances. India, although not commenting directly in this exchange, remains central to the evolving balance between major powers.
What’s Next
Attention is likely to focus on whether recent diplomatic and military talks between China and India translate into sustained de-escalation along the border. Any visible progress could influence regional power calculations and U.S. engagement with India.
Further statements from Washington, Beijing, or New Delhi could clarify how each side views the intersection of China-India ties and the expanding U.S.-India partnership. The issue is also expected to feature in upcoming defence and diplomatic dialogues involving the three countries.
With information from Reuters.
