New Delhi: The US Department of War (Pentagon) has warned that China is seeking to leverage reduced tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India to prevent closer strategic ties between New Delhi and Washington, according to multiple reports.
In its annual report to the US Congress on China, the Pentagon stated that Beijing “probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tension along the LAC to stabilize bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of US-India ties.” The assessment comes amid efforts by India and China to manage border frictions following years of military standoffs in eastern Ladakh.
According to the report, China has been expanding the scope of what it calls its “core interests” as it aims to achieve the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049, which envisages the exercise of sovereignty over territories that include the democratically self-governed Taiwan and India’s Arunachal Pradesh as well.
The report also highlights China’s simultaneous easing of LAC (Line of Actual Control) tensions with India amid deepening of military ties with the latter’s arch-enemy Pakistan. Chinese officials have been cited as having described the unification of China and contested territories, particularly Taiwan, as a “natural requirement” for national rejuvenation.
The report also noted that India is likely to remain skeptical of China’s actions and intentions, adding that continued mutual distrust and other irritants are almost certain to limit the bilateral relationship.
Meanwhile, China rejected the Pentagon’s claims. Responding to the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Pentagon’s assessment “distorts China’s defense policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the US to maintain its military supremacy.”
