China has strongly criticised a recent Pentagon report, calling it irresponsible, misleading, and an attempt to create divisions between Beijing and New Delhi while exaggerating the so-called China threat narrative. Responding sharply, Chinese officials accused the United States of distorting China’s defence policy and interfering in its internal affairs to justify Washington’s continued military dominance.
Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the report misrepresents China’s national defence strategy and deliberately sows discord between China and other nations, including India. He stated that China firmly opposes the report and urged the US to stop fabricating false narratives that provoke confrontation and antagonism. Lin reiterated that China views its relationship with India from a long-term and strategic perspective and remains committed to strengthening dialogue, trust, and cooperation while managing differences responsibly.
Lin also addressed references in the report concerning the Line of Actual Control, stating that the boundary issue is a bilateral matter between China and India. According to him, the current border situation remains generally stable, with communication channels functioning smoothly. He criticised what he described as groundless and irresponsible remarks by external countries on the issue.
In a separate briefing, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang echoed similar concerns, accusing the US of releasing such reports annually to interfere in China’s internal affairs. Zhang said the Pentagon report maliciously misinterprets China’s defence policy and makes unfounded claims about its military development. He dismissed allegations regarding China’s growing defence cooperation with Pakistan, including claims that Beijing is considering setting up a military base there, calling them speculative and biased.
The Pentagon report, titled Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025, claimed that Beijing is seeking to capitalise on easing border tensions with India to prevent deeper US-India strategic cooperation. It referenced the October 2024 meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS Summit, which followed an agreement to disengage from remaining standoff points along the LAC.
According to the US report, that meeting marked the beginning of renewed diplomatic engagement between India and China, including discussions on border management, direct flights, visa facilitation, and academic and media exchanges. The report also alleged that China has expanded its definition of core interests to include territorial claims involving Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Arunachal Pradesh.
China, however, rejected these assertions, maintaining that its military actions are defensive in nature and aimed at safeguarding sovereignty rather than threatening regional stability. Officials stressed that Beijing remains open to constructive engagement with India and opposes external forces attempting to influence bilateral relations through misleading assessments.
