The Pentagon assessment notes that Beijing now views its claims over Arunachal Pradesh as central to achieving what Chinese leaders describe as the “great rejuvenation” of the nation by 2049. This long-term objective, the report says, is tied to China’s ambition to operate at a higher global level and build a “world-class military” capable of conducting and winning modern warfare across multiple domains.
While India and China reached an agreement last year aimed at disengaging troops along friction points on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh—bringing relative calm after years of military standoff—the Pentagon report suggests that strategic rivalry is far from over. Instead, Arunachal Pradesh, India’s northeastern border state, is increasingly being identified as a potential new flashpoint in New Delhi–Beijing relations.
India has consistently and unequivocally rejected China’s claims, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is, and will always be” an integral part of Indian territory. Despite diplomatic efforts to stabilise relations, recent incidents indicate that tensions over the region remain active and sensitive.
One such episode occurred last month when Prema Thongdok, an Indian citizen travelling from London to Japan, was detained for approximately 18 hours during a transit stop at Shanghai’s airport. According to Thongdok, Chinese authorities declared her Indian passport invalid on the grounds that it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth. She alleged that she was denied food and access to basic airport facilities during the detention, highlighting how geopolitical disputes can directly affect civilians.
The Pentagon report frames China’s posture on Arunachal Pradesh within a broader pattern of assertiveness over territorial and maritime claims, particularly in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. By elevating these claims to the level of “core interests,” Beijing signals that it considers them non-negotiable and central to its national strategy.
As India and China attempt to manage a fragile equilibrium along their disputed border, the report’s findings underscore the likelihood that Arunachal Pradesh will remain a focal point of strategic competition. With China’s long-term military and geopolitical ambitions clearly articulated, the issue carries implications not only for bilateral ties but also for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
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