China has strongly condemned a recent United States report that alleges Beijing is attempting to sabotage relations between the US and India. The report, issued by the Pentagon, claims China is leveraging reduced tensions along its border with India to undermine US-India ties, while simultaneously strengthening its defense relationship with Pakistan.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Lin Jian, refuted these claims, calling them an attempt to sow discord with false narratives. Lin stated that China views its relationship with India from a strategic and long-term perspective. He emphasized that the border issue is strictly a bilateral matter between China and India, and that China opposes any country passing judgment on the issue.

The Pentagon report, titled 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2025', suggests that China is looking to capitalize on the de-escalation of tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilize relations with India and prevent closer ties between Washington and New Delhi. The report also mentions an agreement between Indian and Chinese leadership in October 2024, which initiated monthly high-level engagements to discuss border management and potential steps to improve bilateral relations, including the resumption of direct flights, visa facilitation, and academic and journalistic exchanges.

However, the report also indicates that India remains skeptical of China's actions and motives. China has accused the U.S. of distorting its defense policy to hinder China-India relations. China stated its approach to India is strategic and long-term, asserting border issues are strictly bilateral.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, the US has recently imposed tariffs on Indian goods, which China has criticized. China's envoy to India, Xu Feihong, condemned Washington's tariff hikes as "bullying" and pledged that China would stand firmly with India against unfair trade practices. Xu warned that tariffs on Indian goods could climb to 50% if the US follows through with levies linked to Russian oil imports.

These developments occur against a backdrop of ongoing efforts to improve relations between China and India. Despite historical tensions and border disputes, both countries have expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, and cultural exchange. China has also listed Arunachal Pradesh as part of its stated "core interests", with the US report claiming that China is not open to negotiation or compromise on these interests.