Overview
- Released on Dec. 23, a Pentagon assessment says incidents along the India–China frontier have decreased but warns Beijing could use the lull to counter closer U.S.–India ties.
- China’s Foreign Ministry on Dec. 26 dismissed the report, with spokesman Lin Jian saying relations with India are improving and that outside parties should not get involved.
- A Dec. 25 Wall Street Journal article framed India’s roads, tunnels and airstrips across the Himalayas as preparation for a possible future clash with China.
- Defense analysts argue the projects are defensive, aimed at remedying logistics exposed after the 2020 Galwan clashes and sustaining year-round access to high-altitude posts.
- Critics say the WSJ framing is alarmist and overlooks de-escalatory steps such as disengagements, regular boundary talks and visa relaxations that have accompanied ongoing construction.