China slams US report on India border tensions, says ties with New Delhi ‘stable’

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian attends a press conference in Beijing

China on Thursday strongly criticised a US Pentagon report that alleged Beijing was using easing border tensions with India to weaken New Delhi’s ties with Washington while deepening defence cooperation with Pakistan, calling the assessment misleading and aimed at sowing discord.

Responding to the report submitted to the US Congress, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “The Pentagon’s report distorts China’s defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the US to maintain its military supremacy.” He added that China “firmly opposes the report.”

Separately, Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang also rejected the Pentagon’s claims, including references to growing China-Pakistan cooperation in defence and space, and suggestions that Beijing was considering setting up a military base in Pakistan.

“The US releases such reports year after year, grossly interfering in China’s internal affairs,” Zhang said at a media briefing. He accused Washington of “maliciously misinterpreting China’s national defence policy” and making “unfounded speculations about China’s military development.”

Describing the report as biased, Zhang said it exaggerated the so-called “Chinese military threat” and added, “We express our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this,” urging the US to stop “fabricating false narratives and provoking confrontation and antagonism.”

On India-China relations, Lin said Beijing views ties with New Delhi from “a strategic height and a long-term perspective.” He stressed, “We stand ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly handle differences with India, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship.”

Addressing references to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Lin said, “The boundary question is a matter between China and India, and the current border situation between the two countries is generally stable with smooth communication channels.” He added that “China opposes relevant country’s groundless and irresponsible comments.”

The Pentagon report, titled ‘Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025’, claimed that China was seeking to capitalise on de-escalation along the LAC to stabilise ties with India and prevent closer US-India relations. It also referred to the October 2024 meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, following an agreement to disengage from remaining standoff points along the border.

The report further highlighted growing China-Pakistan cooperation in defence and space, claiming Beijing had “likely also considered” setting up additional military facilities in Pakistan — assertions that Chinese officials have now categorically rejected.