The US Department of Defense, the Pentagon, has unveiled a significant report detailing China's ambitious 'Greater China' vision. This new report, submitted to the US Congress, highlights Chinese President Xi Jinping's aspiration to establish a vast 'Greater China' by the year 2049, while to achieve this ambitious goal, China has reportedly expanded its list of core interests, which now controversially includes India's Arunachal Pradesh. This move is a major cause for concern for India, as Arunachal Pradesh is an integral. Part of its territory, and China's claim poses a direct threat to regional stability and India's sovereignty.
The 'Greater China' Objective and Expanded Interests
According to the Pentagon's findings, China firmly believes that it can't achieve its vision of a powerful and 'Greater China' by 2049 without asserting control over territories such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Senkaku Islands (disputed with Japan), and now, India's Arunachal Pradesh. Beijing maintains a clear stance that its claims over these areas are final and non-negotiable, leaving no room for discussion or compromise, while this assertive position underscores China's rigid approach to these regions, indicating an unwillingness to back down. This expansionist policy frequently leads China into border and territorial disputes with India and other neighboring countries. The latest claim regarding Arunachal Pradesh is seen as a direct component of this larger strategic plan.
China's Three Non-Negotiable Core Interests
The report also outlines China's three 'core interests' on which it won't compromise, while these include, firstly, the control and legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Secondly, the nation's economic development and stability. And thirdly, the defense and expansion of its territorial claims. China perceives any challenge to these three pillars as a direct threat to its authority and legitimacy. The Pentagon's report further details that the CCP labels dissenting voices in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, and Taiwan as 'separatist' movements, often attributing them to foreign influence, while according to China, these voices represent unacceptable threats to its power, and it employs all available means to suppress them, reinforcing its authoritarian control over these regions.
India-China Border Dynamics and Distrust
The report also analyzes the current situation along the India-China border, while in October 2024, India and China reportedly agreed to disengage from remaining friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This was followed by a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS Summit, which sparked hopes for a potential easing of tensions. Subsequent discussions began on monthly high-level talks, direct flights, visa facilities, and academic and media exchanges between the two nations. These steps were considered significant towards normalizing relations and building confidence after prolonged border standoffs.
However, the Pentagon suggests that China's objective in de-escalating tensions along the LAC is to prevent the deepening of India-US relations. This strategy aims to deter India from moving closer to the United States and to consolidate China's own position in the region, while meanwhile, India remains highly cautious regarding China's intentions. The report explicitly states that due to persistent mutual distrust and unresolved historical disputes, only limited improvement is possible in India-China relations. The border dispute, China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, and other regional issues continue to fuel deep-seated mistrust between the two nations, making it challenging to establish long-term and sustainable peace. India remains committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. And is prepared to firmly counter any expansionist moves by China.
