Recent Pentagon assessments suggest China may be employing a calculated strategy along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. According to the US Department of Defense’s annual report, Beijing appears to be leveraging a de-escalation of border tensions to stabilize its relationship with New Delhi. Simultaneously, this lull could be an attempt to temper the strengthening ties between India and the United States.
The report, titled ‘Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025,’ notes that India and China agreed to disengage troops from sensitive LAC areas in October 2024. This move preceded a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit. Following this engagement, high-level discussions between the two nations resumed, focusing on border management and the future trajectory of bilateral relations.
These dialogues have reportedly included discussions on reinstating direct flights, easing visa restrictions, and fostering greater exchanges between academics and journalists. The Pentagon interprets this as China aiming to gain an advantage from a calmer border, potentially to slow the deepening Indo-US partnership.
However, the report also acknowledges India’s inherent caution regarding China’s intentions, citing persistent mistrust and unresolved differences that continue to shape the bilateral relationship. Steps toward normalization have been observed, including India resuming tourist visas for Chinese citizens and agreements to boost people-to-people contact, such as reviving the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and restoring direct air connectivity. Discussions are also ongoing to strengthen ties and address shared challenges, including the long-standing boundary dispute.
Beyond border dynamics, the report touches upon China’s overarching national ambition for the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049, which includes expanding global influence and developing a world-class military. Key to this strategy are “core interests” such as Communist Party control, economic growth, and territorial claims, which Beijing extends to regions including Arunachal Pradesh.
The US perspective on the Indo-Pacific emphasizes maintaining regional stability through strength, not by containing China. Washington’s aim is to prevent any single power from dominating the region, ensuring open trade and respectful international relations.