China Accuses U.S. of Trying to Thwart Improving Beijing–New Delhi Ties Through Defense Report

Daftar Isi

 

Beijing, China – The Chinese government on Thursday (December 25, 2025) accused the United States of attempting to obstruct improving relations between China and India, following the release of a U.S. defense report that Beijing said distorted China’s defense policy and strategic intentions in Asia. The accusation was formally delivered by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a Pentagon analysis examining developments in Beijing–New Delhi relations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the annual report by the U.S. Department of Defense misinterpreted China’s approach toward India, particularly as both countries have taken steps to ease tensions that had persisted for several years along their Himalayan border. Lin stressed that Washington should not interfere in bilateral relations between China and India, describing them as ties between two major countries that should be managed independently.

The Pentagon report in question suggested that China may be seeking to take advantage of reduced tensions with India to improve bilateral relations while at the same time limiting U.S. influence in New Delhi. According to the report, Washington assessed that China’s engagement with India carries broader strategic implications, especially in the context of great-power competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

In response, China reaffirmed that its defense policy is defensive in nature and transparent, and is not intended to undermine India’s relations with any other country. Beijing said enhanced communication with India is aimed at maintaining regional stability and preventing conflict escalation, rather than serving as a geopolitical tool against third parties, including the United States.

Relations between China and India had previously deteriorated following a deadly military clash along the Ladakh border region in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of troops on both sides. In recent months, however, the two countries have intensified military and diplomatic dialogue, including phased troop withdrawals from sensitive areas and high-level talks aimed at normalizing relations.

Meanwhile, ties between India and the United States have continued to strengthen in recent years through defense cooperation, joint military exercises, and strategic partnerships in technology and economic sectors. China has often viewed this growing relationship as part of Washington’s strategy to counterbalance Beijing’s influence in Asia, although India has repeatedly stated that its foreign policy remains independent and non-aligned.

The exchange of accusations between China and the United States has once again drawn international attention to the dynamics of the trilateral relationship among Beijing, Washington, and New Delhi. Observers say the rhetorical tensions reflect ongoing geopolitical competition in Asia, while India remains in a strategic position to balance its interests with both major powers without becoming entangled in open confrontation.