China Blasts US for Pentagon Report That 'Sows Discord' With India Relations
China has escalated its criticism of the United States over a Pentagon report claiming Beijing seeks to exploit improved China-India relations to limit US-India strategic ties. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian called the US approach 'irresponsible' and accused America of distorting China's defense policy to justify military hegemony. The diplomatic tensions come as China and India have made significant progress in normalizing relations, including Modi's first China visit in seven years, resumption of direct flights, and resolution of their prolonged border standoff.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
China has sharply criticized the United States for what it described as an "irresponsible" attempt to damage Beijing's improving ties with India, escalating diplomatic tensions over a recent Pentagon assessment. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian accused the US of distorting China's defense policy and deliberately sowing discord between nations to justify American military hegemony.
Stronger Chinese Rebuke of Pentagon Assessment
Lin Jian delivered pointed criticism during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, responding to the Pentagon's annual report on 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2025.' The report had suggested that China "probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tension to stabilize bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of US-India ties."
| Chinese Response Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Spokesperson | Lin Jian, Foreign Ministry |
| Venue | Regular press briefing, Beijing |
| Key Accusation | US distorts defense policy, sows discord |
| US Motive | Pretext for perpetuating military hegemony |
| Border Status | Generally stable |
Lin emphasized that China wanted to develop relations with India "along the track of sound and steady development," while describing the border situation as "generally stable." The spokesman characterized the Pentagon report as an attempt to "find a pretext for the US to perpetuate its own military hegemony."
Recent Diplomatic Breakthrough
China and India have made significant progress in stabilizing relations since last year, defusing their prolonged border standoff and initiating several normalization measures. The diplomatic reset gained momentum following the agreement in October 2024 to disengage from remaining standoff sites along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
| Major Developments | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Modi's China Visit | August 2024 | First trip to China in seven years |
| LAC Disengagement | October 2024 | Agreement on remaining standoff sites |
| Direct Flights Resume | October 2024 | After more than five-year suspension |
| Xi-Modi Meeting | October 2024 | BRICS Summit sidelines |
Broader Geopolitical Context
The improved China-India relationship has developed against the backdrop of both countries being affected by President Donald Trump's trade war policies. Beijing has also criticized other aspects of the Pentagon report, which described China as being in the midst of a "historic military buildup" that has made the US homeland "increasingly vulnerable."
The diplomatic exchange highlights the complex trilateral dynamics as China and India work to normalize relations while managing their respective relationships with the United States. Despite recent progress, the Pentagon assessment emphasized that continued mutual distrust and other irritants limit the bilateral relationship between the Asian giants.
People-Centric Measures
Beyond high-level diplomatic engagement, both countries have agreed on several practical measures to reset their ties, including enhanced visa facilitation and plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The normalization process includes monthly high-level engagements covering border management and various aspects of the bilateral relationship.
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