Pentagon Flags China’s Claim On Arunachal, Warns Of Deepening Military Ties With Pakistan

Last Updated:December 24, 2025, 22:12 IST

According to the report, Chinese officials have described the unification of China and contested territories, particularly Taiwan, as a “natural requirement”.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and China's President Xi Jinping.

A recent report by the United States Department of Defense flagged China’s claim over Arunachal Pradesh as part of Beijing’s expanding “core interests," placing the Indian state alongside Taiwan and key maritime disputes in China’s long-term national strategy.

The assessment says China’s leadership broadened the scope of what it defines as non-negotiable interests to include sovereignty and maritime claims in the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands and Arunachal Pradesh- objectives framed as essential to achieving the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" by 2049.

According to the report, Chinese officials have described the unification of China and contested territories, particularly Taiwan, as a “natural requirement" for national rejuvenation. Under this vision, Beijing aims to operate at a higher global level and field a “world-class" military capable of “fight and win" operations, while resolutely safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests.

On India–China relations, the Pentagon notes that in October 2024 New Delhi announced an agreement with Beijing to disengage from remaining standoff points along the Line of Actual Control, days before a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit. That engagement marked the start of monthly high-level talks covering border management, direct flights, visa facilitation and exchanges among academics and journalists.

The report suggests China is seeking to leverage reduced tensions along the LAC to stabilise ties with India and prevent a deepening of US–India relations. However, it adds that mutual distrust is likely to constrain the relationship and keep New Delhi cautious.

At the same time, the Pentagon highlighted China’s deepening military and strategic cooperation with Pakistan. Beijing continues to co-produce the JF-17 fighter aircraft with Islamabad and remains the sole buyer of Chinese J-10 multirole combat aircraft. China has also supplied armed drones and remains a key naval supplier, including Pakistan’s $3 billion purchase of eight Yuan-class submarines.

Beyond arms transfers, the report says China may be considering Pakistan as a potential location for future People’s Liberation Army logistics facilities, expanding its overseas basing strategy beyond Djibouti. It also cites a 2020 China–Pakistan intelligence agreement that expanded counterterrorism cooperation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly targeting Uyghur groups.

The assessment concludes that Beijing identifies three core interests as non-negotiable: the continued control of the Chinese Communist Party, economic development and the defence and expansion of territorial and sovereignty claims.

News world Pentagon Flags China’s Claim On Arunachal, Warns Of Deepening Military Ties With Pakistan

Read More