China blasts US report for trying to hamper ties with India

China's Foreign Ministry criticized on Thursday a recent Pentagon report for attempting to "alienate China with another country" and seek excuses to maintain its military hegemony.

The report accused China of attempting to exploit the easing of tensions along the China-India border areas to prevent further deepening of US-India ties.

In response, the ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the US report distorts China's defense policy, to which China firmly objects.

"The overall situation along the China-India border is stable at present, and communication channels between the two sides remain open. We oppose the relevant country making arbitrary comments on this matter," Lin told a daily news conference in Beijing.

Beijing is willing to strengthen communication with New Delhi, enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, properly handle differences, and advance bilateral relations along a healthy and stable track, he added.

"China keeps viewing and handling China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective," Lin said.