China accused the U.S. on Thursday of distorting its defense policy in an effort to thwart an improvement in China-India ties.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian was responding to a question at a press briefing on whether China might exploit a recent easing of tensions with India over disputed border areas to keep ties between the United States and India from deepening.

China views its ties with India from a strategic and long-term perspective, Lin said, adding that the border issue was a matter between China and India and “we object to any country passing judgment about this issue”.

The Pentagon said in a report on Tuesday that China “probably seeks to capitalize on decreased tension … to stabilize bilateral relations and prevent the deepening of U.S.-India ties”.

China and India have taken steps in recent months to reduce friction along their contested Himalayan frontier following a deadly clash in 2020 that strained relations and led to a prolonged military standoff. Both sides have since held multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks aimed at disengagement and confidence-building.

The United States has sought to strengthen strategic ties with India as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, viewing New Delhi as a key partner in counterbalancing China’s growing influence in the region. Beijing has repeatedly criticized what it describes as U.S.-led efforts to contain China through regional alliances.