China has sharply criticized the United States for what it describes as deliberate interference in Beijing’s relations with New Delhi, following a Pentagon report that alleged China is seeking to prevent closer strategic ties between India and Washington. The exchange underscores intensifying great-power rivalry in Asia, where India’s rising geopolitical importance has made it a central arena for competition between the US and China.

Speaking at a media briefing on December 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the Pentagon report as “irresponsible,” accusing Washington of distorting China’s defense policy and attempting to drive a wedge between China and other countries, including India. Lin asserted that the report was part of a broader US effort to justify its military dominance under the guise of strategic concern.

“The US report distorts China’s defense policy, seeks to drive a wedge between China and other countries, and provides excuses for maintaining its own military hegemony. China firmly opposes this,” Lin said, responding to a question regarding the Pentagon’s assessment of China-India relations.

The Pentagon report in question suggested that Beijing is likely attempting to capitalize on easing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the disputed and heavily militarized border between China and India. According to the report, China’s goal is to stabilize bilateral ties with India in order to prevent the “deepening” of US-India strategic cooperation. While framed as an analytical assessment, Beijing views such claims as politically motivated and designed to sow mistrust.

Lin emphasized that China views its........

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