China has issued a strong rebuke to a recent US Pentagon report, labeling it “irresponsible” and a distortion of facts. The report alleged that Beijing was attempting to exploit easing border tensions with India to weaken New Delhi’s relationship with Washington. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the document misrepresents China’s defense policy and aims to create discord between China and other nations, serving as a pretext for the US to maintain military dominance.

The US Department of War’s annual report, “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025,” claimed China sought to leverage the de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India to stabilize bilateral ties and hinder deeper US-India relations. It also pointed to increased defense and space cooperation between China and Pakistan, suggesting Beijing might be considering a military base there.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang echoed these sentiments, accusing Washington of misrepresenting China’s military intentions and interfering in its internal affairs. He characterized the report as filled with “erroneous understandings and geopolitical bias,” exaggerating the “Chinese military threat” to mislead the international community. China expressed its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, urging the US to cease fabricating narratives and provoking confrontation.

Regarding India-China relations, Lin asserted that Beijing approaches its ties with New Delhi from a long-term, strategic viewpoint. China is prepared to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and manage differences to advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship. He emphasized that the border issue is a bilateral matter between China and India, noting the generally stable border situation and smooth communication channels, while opposing “groundless and irresponsible comments” from third parties.

The US report also referenced a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit, which occurred shortly after an agreement to disengage from LAC standoff points. This meeting was seen as initiating regular high-level engagements, including discussions on border management, visas, and academic/journalistic exchanges.

Beijing maintains that its defense policy is purely defensive and that US reports consistently misrepresent its intentions.