China’s claim on Arunachal Pradesh declared a ‘core interest’: US report warns of rising India-China tensions

A recent US Pentagon report has escalated Arunachal Pradesh’s geopolitical significance by declaring China’s claim over the northeastern Indian state as one of Beijing’s “core interests”—placing it alongside Taiwan and the South China Sea disputes.

The report, submitted to the US Congress, highlights that securing these territories is vital to China’s ambitious goal of “great rejuvenation” by 2049, which includes building a world-class military capable of winning future conflicts.

While India and China have eased their prolonged border standoff in eastern Ladakh, this strategic move by China signals that Arunachal Pradesh could become a major flashpoint in bilateral relations going forward.

India has consistently maintained that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is, and will always be” an integral part of the country, rejecting Beijing’s claims that label the region as “southern Tibet” or Zangnan.

The situation has already sparked tensions on the ground. In a recent incident, an Indian citizen traveling through Shanghai was detained for 18 hours over passport details listing Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. Additionally, a YouTuber supporting her was also briefly held in China for affirming Arunachal’s status as part of India.

China’s rejection of the McMahon Line, established in 1914 between British India and Tibet, underpins its territorial claims. Historically focused on Tawang, China has since expanded its claims to encompass the entire state, intensifying pressure by renaming numerous locations within Arunachal.

Experts note the US acknowledgement of China’s growing assertiveness in Arunachal as a significant development. “The US has traditionally focused on Ladakh-related issues, but its new focus on Arunachal shows a deeper understanding of China’s evolving tactics,” said former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev.

The report also warns that China’s recent easing of border tensions is part of a broader dual strategy: maintaining tactical calm along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) while exerting sustained military pressure through Pakistan.

This strategy was visible during recent conflicts where Pakistan, armed predominantly with Chinese weaponry, engaged Indian forces. Beijing’s aim is to stabilise relations with India just enough to prevent New Delhi from deepening its ties with Washington, even as underlying frictions persist.

With ₹Arunachal Pradesh now clearly declared a “core interest” by Beijing, the fragile peace along the India-China border faces fresh uncertainty, setting the stage for a complex and potentially volatile geopolitical contest in the years ahead.