China Rejects US Interference in India Ties, Citing Border Dispute as Bilateral Issue

Beijing Responds to Pentagon Report

Beijing, China – China has strongly rejected recent claims made by the United States concerning its relationship with India, asserting that the border issue is a matter to be resolved bilaterally between the two Asian powers. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Lin Jian, accused the U.S. of attempting to 'distort' China's defense policy and 'drive a wedge' between Beijing and New Delhi.

The remarks, made during a press briefing on Thursday, December 25, 2025, came in direct response to a report released by the U.S. Department of War (Pentagon). Titled 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2025', the Pentagon's assessment, published on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, suggested that China 'probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tension' along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India to stabilize bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of U.S.-India ties.

China's Stance on Bilateral Relations

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China's consistent position, stating that Beijing views its ties with India from a 'strategic and long-term perspective'. He firmly underlined that the boundary dispute is 'strictly a matter between China and India' and that China 'objects to any country passing judgment about this issue'.

The Pentagon report had highlighted an agreement reached in October 2024 between India and China to disengage from remaining standoff sites along the LAC, followed by monthly high-level engagements. This agreement and subsequent diplomatic thaw were interpreted by the U.S. as an attempt by China to manage its relationship with New Delhi while limiting strategic convergence between Washington and India.

India's Cautious Approach and Border Context

Despite Beijing's recent diplomatic overtures, India is reportedly maintaining a cautious stance. Analysts suggest that unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), coupled with historical mistrust and other strategic irritants, are likely to continue limiting the scope of bilateral cooperation. The long-standing border dispute between China and India encompasses regions such as Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. The U.S. report specifically noted China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as southern Tibet or Zangnan, as a potential future flashpoint.

The current exchange underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, with both China and the United States vying for influence and strategic partnerships in the region.