A recent Pentagon report has brought renewed attention to China's territorial ambitions, asserting that Beijing views Arunachal Pradesh with the same strategic importance as Taiwan. This assessment, submitted to the US Congress, underscores China's broader national strategy aimed at achieving the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" by 2049.
The report highlights that China's leadership has expanded its definition of "core interests" to include not only Taiwan but also its claims in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands, and Arunachal Pradesh. This alignment suggests that China considers these territories vital to its long-term national goals. Chinese officials have expressed that the unification of China with these contested territories, particularly Taiwan, is a "natural requirement" for national rejuvenation. This vision entails a China operating on a new global level, possessing a "world-class" military capable of securing its sovereignty, security, and developmental interests.
The Pentagon report identifies three non-negotiable "core interests" for Beijing: the continued dominance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), economic development, and the defense and expansion of its territorial claims. The CCP is highly sensitive to any perceived threats to its rule, both domestic and external, including criticism of its ability to protect Chinese interests. To maintain control, the CCP labels political voices in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Taiwan as separatist elements influenced by "external forces," which it views as threats to its legitimacy.
Regarding India-China relations, the report acknowledges the disengagement agreement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) announced in October 2024 and subsequent talks. These developments, including a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit, have focused on border management, direct flights, visa facilitation, and academic and journalistic exchanges. However, the Pentagon report suggests that China might be leveraging the reduced tensions along the LAC to stabilize bilateral relations with India while simultaneously trying to limit the growing closeness between the United States and India. The report also cautions that India is likely to remain skeptical of China's actions and motives, with continued mutual distrust potentially limiting the bilateral relationship. The report also highlights the strengthening military and strategic cooperation between China and Pakistan.
