Pentagon report links territorial claims to national rejuvenation goals
China strategic ambitions regional security, According to the Pentagon’s latest report, which was sent to Congress in the USA, China has broad long-term aspirations. Among those aspirations is Arunachal Pradesh, which is designated as one of China’s “core interests” by its own definition, along with Taiwan. The report places Arunachal Pradesh alongside Vietnam, the Philippines,s and Malaysia, which also have maritime territorial claims on the South China Sea. The Chinese leadership sees the resolution of territorial disputes as a necessary step towards achieving “national revival” or “national reinvigoration” by 2049.
Therefore, territorial consolidation essentially forms the framework of the Chinese political narrative. Officials consider that reuniting all nations within one state is a prerequisite to achieving the rebirth of China. Thus, they view any and all disputes over territorial claims to be uncompromising and therefore support the position of contesting any claims made by others. Throughout the report, it is apparent that the definition of what constitutes “core interest” is gradually changing as explained by the report, with the full combination of all Chinese Core Interests (i.e., Political – control of government; Economic; Territory).
Because of the change in definition, thus, China’s perception of any challenge to these Stakeholders constitutes a direct existential threat to China. There is also an awareness, as seen by this report, that any belief that one could question the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party is viewed as a serious threat, both internally and externally, to China’s sovereignty.
Military modernisation reinforces party control and external assertiveness
As stated in this revitalization vision, China aspires to a much higher place at a worldwide level. Therefore, Beijing intends to create a world-class military force capable of winning contemporary conflicts by prioritizing military modernization. Military modernization also enhances China’s ability to project power overseas while ensuring that the Communist Party remains in control. China strategic ambitions regional security, The report identifies the Communist Party as the highest priority in terms of non-negotiable objectives. In addition, the economy regarded as a key area of sustained economic growth for the long-term viability and stability of the regime. Additionally, Chinese leaders have stated that they will not concede any territory regarding claims to sovereignty.
For this reason, insecurity will have a direct impact on how China conducts its foreign policy. The report also states that the government of Beijing identifies regions that oppose its policies as potential regional separatist threats, including Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet and Taiwan. Therefore, fears about legitimacy will increase the assertive nature of China’s foreign policy. In addition, according to the report, the confidence that comes from military might allows China to pursue its territorial claims against other nations.
India-China engagement and Pakistan ties complicate the regional balance
The Pentagon also assessed developments along the India-China border in its report. In October 2024, the two sides signed a ceasefire agreement, which included the establishment of new diplomatic channels that have used by both countries in order to help stabilize the relationship. The dialogue has included discussions on border management, direct flights, visa facilitation, and academic exchanges, among other things. However, the Pentagon assessed that it would be unwise to assume that this is a sign of long term improvement in mutual trust between the two countries, and suggested that Beijing could potentially use this reduction in tensions to further limit the potential for greater alignment between the US and India. Despite this, India has been extremely cautious regarding the relationship between the two countries, due to unresolved territorial disputes and historical distrust of China.
The Pentagon also highlighted China’s growing military and economic relationship with Pakistan, which has befurther strengthened by China’s transfer of fighter planes, weaponized drones, and submarines to Pakistan. Additionally, many analysts believe that Pakistan could used as a logistical base for future Chinese military deployments. Thus, as a result of this close relationship between China and Pakistan, India now faces an even more complex security dilemma of potentially having to confront two fronts simultaneously. Overall, the Pentagon’s assessment suggests that the region will continue to characterized by ambition and caution, as well as ongoing and intense strategic competition.
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