China Lists Arunachal as ‘Core Interest’ Alongside Taiwan: US Pentagon Report

China has elevated its territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh to the level of “core interests,” placing the Indian state alongside Taiwan and disputed areas in the South China Sea, according to a recent United States Department of Defense report submitted to the US Congress.

The Pentagon’s assessment warns that while India and China have eased tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh could emerge as a major future flashpoint in bilateral relations. The report links Beijing’s hardened stance on Arunachal to its broader strategic objective of achieving the so-called “great rejuvenation” by 2049, which includes building a “world-class military” capable of winning modern wars.

India has consistently rejected China’s claims, reiterating that Arunachal Pradesh “was, is and will always remain” an integral part of the country.

Arunachal emerges as a fresh pressure point

Although New Delhi and Beijing agreed last year to disengage troops from remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh, recent incidents suggest renewed tensions around Arunachal Pradesh. Last month, an Indian citizen travelling via Shanghai was reportedly detained after Chinese officials questioned her passport because it listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace. The issue was resolved only after intervention by the Indian consulate.

Earlier this week, a YouTuber was also detained in China after posting content asserting that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of India. These incidents underline what analysts describe as Beijing’s increasing use of coercive tactics to reinforce its territorial narrative.

China refers to Arunachal Pradesh as “southern Tibet” or Zangnan, rejecting the McMahon Line drawn in 1914. While Beijing initially focused its claim on Tawang, it has since expanded its position to cover the entire state and has periodically issued lists of renamed locations to press its claim.

Former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev said Washington’s explicit reference to Arunachal in the Pentagon report was significant. He noted that earlier US assessments focused largely on Ladakh, and the latest report indicates growing awareness in Washington of China’s pressure tactics in India’s northeast.

Pakistan factor flagged

The Pentagon report also cautioned India about China’s broader regional strategy, noting that de-escalation along the LAC appears to be part of a dual-track approach. According to the assessment, Beijing seeks tactical calm with India while maintaining strategic pressure through its close military partnership with Pakistan.

The report highlighted that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan relied heavily on Chinese-origin weapons and air defence systems. At the same time, China’s effort to stabilise the LAC is seen as an attempt to prevent New Delhi from moving closer to Washington.

Overall, the Pentagon’s findings suggest that while immediate border tensions may have eased, China’s inclusion of Arunachal Pradesh among its core interests points to a long-term strategic challenge for India.