China on Thursday accused the United States of distorting its defence policy and making what it called irresponsible claims aimed at creating discord between China and India. This followed a Pentagon report suggesting that Beijing was trying to exploit easing border tensions to hinder closer US-India relations.
In response to questions at a regular press briefing on Christmas day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China views its relationship with India from a strategic and long-term perspective, firmly rejecting any third-party interference in bilateral matters.
“The boundary question is a matter between China and India. The current border situation is generally stable, with smooth communication channels. We object to any country passing judgment on this issue,” Lin said.
The comments came in the wake of the release of the US Department of Defense report titled “2025 Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China“, which claimed that China “probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tensions” along the border with India to stabilize relations and prevent deeper US-India ties.
Lin dismissed the assessment as unfounded, stating that the report distorts China’s defence policy and reflects geopolitical bias.
“The Pentagon’s report distorts China’s defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims to find a pretext for the United States to maintain its military supremacy,” he said. “China firmly opposes this.”
He added that Beijing is committed to improving ties with New Delhi through dialogue and cooperation.
“China stands ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, properly handle differences, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship with India,” Lin said.
China’s Defence Ministry echoed the criticism, with spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang accusing Washington of exaggerating the so-called “China military threat” to mislead the international community.
“The US issues such reports year after year, brazenly interfering in China’s internal affairs, maliciously distorting China’s defence policy, and slandering the normal operations of the Chinese armed forces,” Zhang said. “The entire report is filled with erroneous perceptions of China and geopolitical biases.”
Zhang stressed that China’s military development is defensive in nature and aimed solely at safeguarding national sovereignty and security.
“China steadfastly pursues a national defence policy that is defensive in nature and remains a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world,” he said, urging Washington to “stop fabricating false narratives and instigating confrontation.”
