China accuses US of undermining China-India ties

China has accused the United States of misrepresenting its defence policy to obstruct growing ties with India, according to a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

China has accused the United States of misrepresenting its defence policy to obstruct growing ties with India, according to a statement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks during a press briefing, responding to questions about whether China might use recent easing of tensions along the disputed border to prevent closer U.S.-India relations. Lin emphasized that China views its relationship with India from a long-term strategic perspective. He added that border issues are strictly bilateral and objected to any external judgments on the matter.

The comments follow a report by the U.S. Department of Defense, which suggested that China may try to take advantage of the de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilize ties with India while limiting closer U.S.-India cooperation.

The Pentagon report, titled Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025, noted that in October 2024, Indian leadership reached an agreement with China to disengage from remaining standoff sites along the LAC. The agreement preceded a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit.

Since then, Beijing and New Delhi have initiated monthly high-level discussions to manage border issues and explore broader cooperation. The discussions include potential resumption of direct flights, visa facilitation, and academic and media exchanges.

Despite these developments, the U.S. report suggested that mutual distrust and ongoing irritants continue to limit the bilateral relationship. It also noted that India remains cautious about China’s intentions even as tensions along the LAC have eased.