China accuses US of trying to block thaw in ties with India

China on Thursday accused the United States of distorting its defence policy in an attempt to obstruct any improvement in ties between China and India, Reuters reported.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was responding to a question at a regular press briefing on whether Beijing could take advantage of the recent easing of tensions with India along disputed border areas to prevent relations between the United States and India from deepening, according to Reuters. Lin said China approaches its relationship with India from a strategic and long-term standpoint. He added that the border issue remains a matter strictly between China and India, and said, “we object to any country passing judgment ‍about this ⁠issue”.

Also Read: China probably seeks to capitalise on decreased tension along LAC with India: US report

A report by the US Department of War on Tuesday said China was likely to use the de-escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control with India to stabilise bilateral relations and prevent closer ties between Washington and New Delhi.

In its annual report to Congress titled ‘Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025’, released on Tuesday, the department said that Indian leadership announced an agreement with China in October 2024.

According to the report, the agreement was aimed at disengaging from the remaining standoff sites along the Line of Actual Control, and was announced two days before a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

The Xi–Modi meeting marked the beginning of monthly high-level engagements between the two countries. During these engagements, the two sides discussed border management and possible next steps in the bilateral relationship, including the resumption of direct flights, visa facilitation, and exchanges involving academics and journalists, the report said.

“China probably seeks to capitalise on decreased tension along the LAC to stabilise bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of US-India ties; however, India probably remains sceptical of China’s actions and motives.
Continued mutual distrust and other irritants almost certainly limit the bilateral relationship,” the report said.