China Keeps a Sharp Eye on Arunachal, Strengthens Ties with Pakistan; India’s No. 1 Rival

New Delhi: A new U.S. Department of Defense report has revealed China’s expanding strategic designs against India, with a particular focus on Arunachal Pradesh, alongside its continued military support to Pakistan. The report warns that China is attempting a dual-front strategy to complicate India’s position in South Asia.

According to the Pentagon’s annual assessment on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2025, Chinese leaders have expanded the scope of their “core interests” to include Taiwan, the South and East China Seas, the Senkaku Islands, and India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The report notes that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had repeatedly intruded into Eastern Ladakh’s Western Sector in April-May 2020 and has since increased its activity in India’s eastern sector, including Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

Indian Defense Preparedness

Indian officials emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Tawang—which China claims as “South Tibet”—is well-secured with a significant deployment of troops and weaponry to counter any threat. Despite reduced tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) last October, both Indian and Chinese forces remain face-to-face in their positions for the sixth consecutive winter.

China’s Strategic Maneuvering

The Pentagon report states that China may be exploiting a temporary lull in India-China tensions to stabilize bilateral relations and counter growing India-U.S. cooperation. The report adds that mutual distrust and unresolved disputes continue to limit the relationship between the two countries.

Expanding Nuclear Arsenal and Military Reach

China is rapidly expanding its military capabilities across land, air, sea, space, cyberspace, and electronic warfare domains. The PLA is significantly enlarging its nuclear stockpile, aiming to possess over 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030, compared to around 600 currently. Furthermore, China plans to increase its aircraft carrier fleet from three to nine by 2035.

Pakistan Collaboration

China has been arming Pakistan with advanced military hardware, including 36 J-10C fighter jets, multi-role frigates, and other equipment, some of which were used by Pakistan during Operation Sindhur against the Indian Air Force. The Pentagon report highlights China’s plan to establish a military base in Pakistan to expand its naval and air power while deploying ground forces.

China is reportedly considering similar facilities in Angola, Bangladesh, Burma, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tanzania, UAE, and Vanuatu. Defense experts suggest that such bases would strengthen China’s military presence and control over key maritime routes, further enhancing its influence globally.

Expert Analysis

The Pentagon report underscores China’s growing military ambitions and global strategic reach. Its deepening defense cooperation with Pakistan is expected to intensify regional security challenges for India, making vigilance along the northern and western borders imperative.