New Delhi, Dec 25: China continues to prepare for a potential military confrontation with India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise bilateral ties, according to a latest report by the United States Department of Defense.
The report identifies China’s Western Theatre Command as the primary formation responsible for operations involving India, noting that it is specifically structured, equipped and trained for high altitude warfare and border contingencies.
According to the Pentagon assessment, Chinese forces conducted multiple live-fire drills and mobility exercises in mountainous terrain during 2024. These activities were aimed at enhancing combat readiness in high-altitude, low-oxygen conditions typical of the India-China frontier.
The report underscores that Beijing treats its territorial claims as “core interests” that are considered non-negotiable. It explicitly includes India’s Arunachal Pradesh within this category, highlighting the enduring nature of the dispute.
While India and China announced an agreement in October 2024 to disengage from remaining standoff points along the LAC, the report cautions that the reduction in immediate tensions does not signal a shift in China’s long-term military posture.
Chinese leaders, the report notes, may seek temporary de-escalation to avoid driving India into closer strategic alignment with the United States. At the same time, Beijing remains wary of growing U.S.-India defence cooperation, viewing it as a constraint on its strategic freedom.
The assessment also points to China’s concerns over expanding U.S. partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, which it believes could limit its operational flexibility, including along its land borders.
China’s broader military modernisation has direct implications for India, the report says. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues to expand its missile forces, air power, cyber capabilities and space-based surveillance, enabling it to operate across multiple theatres simultaneously.
Additionally, China has significantly improved its ability to rapidly deploy and sustain forces along its western frontier, with a focus on logistics, joint command structures and swift mobilisation.
Despite increased diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing, the report stresses that deep mistrust persists. Both sides continue to view each other with caution, particularly on security and military issues.
China’s sustained military activity along the India border, the report concludes, reflects preparation rather than reassurance, underscoring that the PLA continues to train for renewed confrontation even amid talks and disengagement agreements.