China Using LAC Disengagement to Reset India Ties and Curb U.S. Alignment

Context:
A recent U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) report suggests that China’s disengagement moves along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are part of a broader strategy to stabilise relations with India while limiting New Delhi’s deepening strategic alignment with the United States. This comes amid China’s expanding military footprint in South Asia and persistent border-related distrust.

Key Highlights:

Strategic Intent Behind LAC Disengagement:

• The October 2024 disengagement agreement is viewed as a tactical move by China to ease immediate tensions.

• Objective: Reset bilateral ties and reduce India’s incentive to move closer to the U.S.-led strategic architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

• Disengagement is framed as conflict management, not conflict resolution, with core disputes remaining unresolved.

Diplomatic Engagements & Signalling:

• President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, signalling a thaw.

• This was followed by monthly high-level engagements, focusing on:

  • Border management

  • Confidence-building measures

  • Stabilisation of bilateral relations

• Despite dialogue, mutual distrust persists due to past Chinese actions along the LAC.

China’s Regional Military Posture:

• The Pentagon report highlights China’s efforts to expand its military presence in South Asia.

• China has explored overseas military base options in:

  • Pakistan

  • Sri Lanka

  • Bangladesh

• Over the last five years, China supplied Pakistan with:

  • 36 J-10C fighter aircraft

  • Four naval frigates

• These moves raise concerns for India’s security environment.

India’s Strategic Calculus:

• India remains cautious and calibrated in its response.

• While engaging diplomatically with China, India continues to:

  • Strengthen ties with the United States

  • Participate actively in Quad and Indo-Pacific initiatives

• India seeks to balance strategic autonomy with external partnerships.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Strategic use of border disengagement by China to influence India’s foreign policy choices.

• Causes:

  • Sino-U.S. rivalry

  • India–U.S. growing defence and strategic cooperation

• Key Developments:

  • LAC disengagement (October 2024)

  • BRICS-level leadership engagement

• Impact:

  • Temporary stabilisation of borders

  • Continued strategic uncertainty in South Asia

Relevant Mains Points:

• Facts & Definitions:

  • Line of Actual Control (LAC): De facto boundary between India and China.

  • BRICS: Grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa for economic and political cooperation.

• Keywords & Conceptual Clarity:

  • Strategic Autonomy, Balance of Power, Indo-Pacific Strategy, Security Dilemma

• Security Implications:

  • China–Pakistan military cooperation affects India’s two-front challenge.

  • Overseas Chinese bases may alter regional power dynamics.

• Way Forward:

  • Maintain robust border infrastructure and military preparedness

  • Continue diplomatic engagement without compromising security interests

  • Diversify strategic partnerships while preserving autonomy

  • Strengthen regional multilateral frameworks for stability

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 2: India–China relations, foreign policy, global groupings

• GS 3: Internal security, border management, military modernisation