China accused the US of distorting Beijing's defense policy to hinder the trend of improving relations between China and India, in the context of the emergence of mixed reviews from Washington.
Speaking at a press conference, on December 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that Beijing views its relationship with India from a strategic and long-term perspective.
According to Mr. Lin Jian, the border issue is a story between China and India and China opposes any country making judgments or comments on this issue.
The statement came as Lin Jian was asked about China's ability to take advantage of recent tenses in border areas disputed with India to prevent the development of US-India relations. The spokesperson stressed that Beijing's stance is consistent, not aimed at a third party.
Previously, the Pentagon in a report said China could find a way to take advantage of the reduction in tensions with India to stabilize bilateral relations, while preventing the US and India from getting closer together. This assessment believes that Beijing's approach is strategically calculated in the context of regional competition.
China has rejected the above assessment, saying that the US is distorting Beijing's defense policy and interfering in relations between the two Asian neighbors.
China affirmed that China-India relations need to be handled bilaterally, respecting the interests and views of each side, and not being affected by external pressure or assessment.
