Pentagon Report Warns of Rising China Pressure on Arunachal
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Itanagar
- Dec 25, 2025
- 559
China has elevated its territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh to the level of its “core interests,” placing the Indian state on par with Taiwan, according to a recent US Department of Defense report submitted to Congress.
The Pentagon assessment warns that Arunachal Pradesh could emerge as a major future flashpoint in India–China relations, even as both sides have disengaged troops from parts of eastern Ladakh. The report links Beijing’s claims over Arunachal, Taiwan, and the South China Sea to China’s long-term goal of achieving “national rejuvenation” by 2049 and building a world-class military capable of winning wars.
India has firmly rejected China’s assertions, reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is, and will always be” an integral part of the country.
Recent incidents suggest renewed friction. Last month, Indian citizen Prema Thongdok was detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai airport after Chinese officials allegedly questioned the validity of her passport due to her birthplace being listed as Arunachal Pradesh. A YouTuber was also reportedly detained this week after publicly describing the state as part of India.
China claims Arunachal Pradesh as “southern Tibet” and rejects the McMahon Line, later expanding its claim from the Tawang region to the entire state. The Pentagon report notes that Beijing’s repeated renaming of locations in Arunachal is part of a sustained pressure strategy.
Former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev said the US report’s focus on Arunachal reflects growing American recognition of China’s tactics in the eastern sector, an area previously underreported compared to Ladakh.
The report further cautioned that China’s tactical calm along the Line of Actual Control may be part of a broader strategy to stabilise ties with India while exerting indirect military pressure through Pakistan, using Chinese-origin weapon systems. It also suggested Beijing aims to limit India’s strategic alignment with the United States while continuing to assert its core territorial interests.