China has issued a sharp rebuke to a recent United States Department of Defense report, labeling its contents as "groundless" and "irresponsible." The contentious document, submitted to the US Congress, highlighted Beijing's persistent claim over India's Arunachal Pradesh, categorizing it among China's "core interests."
Beijing's Firm Rejection of US Allegations
At a regular media briefing on Thursday, December 26, 2025, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the Pentagon's annual report titled 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025.' He accused the document of distorting China's defence policy and attempting to sow discord between China and other nations.
"The Pentagon’s report distorts China’s defence policy, sows discord between China and other countries, and aims at finding a pretext for the US to maintain its military supremacy," Jian stated. He emphasized that China firmly opposes the report and its implications.
Focus on India-China Relations and Border Stability
A significant portion of the US report focused on Sino-Indian dynamics. It suggested that China might seek to "capitalise" on decreased border tensions with India to undermine the deepening partnership between New Delhi and Washington. In response, Lin Jian presented Beijing's perspective on its relationship with India.
"We view our relations with India from a strategic height and a long-term perspective," he said. "We stand ready to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and properly handle differences with India, and advance a sound and stable bilateral relationship."
On the sensitive issue of the boundary, Jian was clear: "The boundary question is a matter between China and India." He added that the current situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is "generally stable" with smooth communication channels between the two sides. He reiterated China's opposition to any third-party commentary on the matter.
Core Interests and Strategic Partnerships
The Pentagon report placed Arunachal Pradesh alongside Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Senkaku Islands within the expanded scope of China's "core interests." It framed these territorial objectives as central to President Xi Jinping's goal of achieving the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" by 2049.
The report also referenced the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in October 2024. This interaction occurred just days after the two nations signed an agreement to disengage from standoff sites along the LAC.
Furthermore, the assessment flagged China's deepening military cooperation with Pakistan. It noted ongoing projects like the co-production of the JF-17 fighter aircraft and highlighted that Pakistan is the sole buyer of China's J-10 combat jets. The report suggested that Pakistan is a potential location for future PLA military logistics facilities, extending China's overseas basing strategy beyond its base in Djibouti.
Echoing the foreign ministry's stance, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang also denounced the report. He criticized the US for releasing such documents annually, which he said constitutes "gross interference in China's internal affairs." Zhang asserted that the report is filled with erroneous understandings and geopolitical biases, exaggerating a "Chinese military threat" to mislead the global community.
The strong reaction from Beijing underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions, where US assessments of Chinese strategy directly clash with Beijing's narrative of peaceful development and bilateral resolution of disputes.
