US report: China seeks to stabilize ties with India after LAC withdrawal, limit US-India strategic deepening

The 2025 US Department of War report notes that China is seeking to stabilize bilateral ties with India after its withdrawal from the remaining Line of Actual Control (LAC) standoffs in October 2024. | Photo credit: PTI

In its annual report to the US Congress titled ‘Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025’, released on Tuesday, the ministry noted that Indian leaders had announced an agreement with China in October 2024 to disengage from the remaining standoffs along the LAC.

The announcement came two days ahead of a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

China’s strategic goal

According to the report, Beijing is “likely trying to take advantage of reduced tensions along the LAC” to stabilize ties with India and limit the strengthening of US-India ties. However, it added that India is likely to remain cautious about China’s actions and intentions. “Ongoing mutual distrust and other irritants are almost certain to limit the bilateral relationship,” the report said.

It also pointed out the role of China’s Western Theater Command, which is responsible for any potential conflict with India, border interactions with Central Asian countries and internal security issues in Tibet and Xinjiang. The command includes the 76th and 77th Group Armies, ground forces under the Xinjiang and Xizang Military Districts, three People’s Liberation Army air bases and two People’s Liberation Army missile bases.

Outlining China’s broader strategic objectives, the report states that Beijing’s national strategy is aimed at achieving “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049 – somewhat similar to India’s vision of becoming Vikshit Bharat by 2047. This vision includes building a “world-class” military capable of protecting China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests while significantly expanding its global influence.

Core interests

China identifies three “core interests” that it considers non-negotiable: maintaining control of the Chinese Communist Party, promoting economic development, and defending and expanding its sovereignty and territorial claims. The report notes that Beijing has expanded the concept of “core interests” to include Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands and India’s Arunachal Pradesh.

The report also notes that China’s involvement in Africa is increasingly focused on expanding defense cooperation, securing access to the Atlantic and Indian Ocean coasts, obtaining crucial raw materials, protecting Chinese citizens and economic interests, and positioning itself as a leader of the Global South.

Published on December 24, 2025