China-Pakistan's growing military partnership is a challenge for India (file photo)
IANS, Washington. China may be looking for ways to reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), but its growing military cooperation with Pakistan is rapidly changing India's security environment. This claim has been made in the new report of the US Defense Ministry (Department of War) 'Pentagon'. This report has been presented before the Congress.
China is most trustworthy to Pakistan
The report states that China and Pakistan are continuously expanding military cooperation, arms sales and military alliances. In the report, Pakistan has been presented as China's most reliable and important military partner.
According to the report, the agreements between China and Pakistan also include transfer and co-production of weapon systems. This is equally applicable to all three parts of the army, water, land and air. Chinese equipment plays a big role in Pakistan's military modernization.
Relations between China and Pakistan are also impacting India.
According to the assessment, China is also pursuing its foreign policy goals through military partnership. Arms sales, training programs and joint activities are also important means in this. In this manner, Pakistan has been a beneficiary for a long time. Relations between China and Pakistan are also impacting India.
The report suggests that the crisis may deepen on India's northern and western fronts. The document does not predict joint military action, but it points to a growing convergence of strategic interests.
Additionally, the report said China has taken limited steps to stabilize its border with India. In October 2024, Indian and Chinese leaders announced disengagement from the remaining friction points along the LAC.
Regular high-level talks held on border management
This was followed by regular high-level talks on border management. Despite this, the crisis of trust has deepened. Persistent mutual distrust and other troublesome factors certainly limit bilateral relations. China will try to maintain peace on the border to prevent stronger strategic relations between US and India.
Arunachal also mentioned in American report
The Pentagon report also took note of China's territorial claims through Arunachal Pradesh. China has described such claims as related to its core interests. Due to this, India's border disputes with China have been included in the sensitive category. India's concerns have increased due to China's all-round expansion and China's increasing military power.
The report said that Beijing is rapidly expanding missile, cyber, space and nuclear capabilities. These developments affect the regional balance across Asia, including South Asia. The report also expressed concern over the growing challenge of China to India in the Indian Ocean.