Beijing accuses US of trying to undermine China-India ties
What's the story
China has accused the United States of distorting its defense policy in a bid to prevent better relations with India. The accusation was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference on Thursday. When asked if China could use recent de-escalation with India over border disputes to keep ties between the United States and India from deepening, Lin said that China sees its relationship with India strategically and long-term.
Border dispute
China criticizes US for meddling in border issues
Lin emphasized that the border issue is a bilateral matter between China and India, adding that "we object to any country passing judgment about this issue." This statement comes after a Pentagon report claimed that China "probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tension...to stabilize bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of US-India ties." The report had suggested that China's recent de-escalation with India could be an attempt to prevent the deepening of US-India ties.