China eases India tensions to counter U.S.-India ties while expanding military presence and asserting claims, per Pentagon report.

The U.S. Pentagon’s 2025 report warns China is using reduced tensions along the Line of Actual Control with India to stabilize relations and counter growing U.S.-India defense ties, despite ongoing distrust. While both nations resumed high-level talks and disengaged from standoff sites in October 2024, the report notes China continues military buildup, including in the Western Theater Command, and maintains non-negotiable claims over Arunachal Pradesh, Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Senkaku Islands. Beijing’s broader goal is the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049, which includes expanding military power and global influence. The U.S. emphasizes it seeks a balanced Indo-Pacific, not dominance, and plans enhanced military communication with China to promote stability.