Overview
- The Pentagon’s 2025 report says China has expanded its “core interests” to include Arunachal Pradesh alongside Taiwan and maritime disputes.
- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian rejected the assessment as an attempt to sow discord and said China views ties with India through a long-term strategic lens.
- China’s Defence Ministry also criticized the report and, in separate comments, warned that a recent $11.1 billion US arms package for Taiwan increases the risk of war in the Taiwan Strait.
- The US assessment projects continued PLA growth, including a nuclear arsenal exceeding 1,000 warheads by 2030 and additional aircraft carriers by 2035.
- The report highlights deepening China–Pakistan defence cooperation and says Beijing has likely considered a military base in Pakistan, while noting India’s cautious, conditional approach to normalization with China.