US Department of Defense report on China’s military: Arunachal as ‘core interest’, PLA improving capabilities

The recent US Department of Defense (DoD) report on China's military power, specifically highlighting China's assertion of Arunachal Pradesh as a 'core interest' and the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) improving capabilities, offers critical insights into evolving geopolitical dynamics. This annual report, mandated by the US Congress, serves to inform policymakers about the scope and trajectory of China's military and security developments. Its findings are particularly significant for India, given the long-standing and often contentious border dispute with China.

To understand the gravity of this report, it's essential to delve into the background context. China has historically claimed Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as 'Southern Tibet' (Zangnan), and views it as an integral part of its territory. India, on the other hand, unequivocally considers Arunachal Pradesh an inseparable and integral part of the Indian Union. This territorial dispute dates back to the McMahon Line, drawn during the 1914 Simla Convention, which India recognizes as the de facto boundary, but China disputes. The 1962 Sino-Indian War further cemented the mistrust and unresolved nature of this border issue. China's declaration of Arunachal Pradesh as a 'core interest' signals a heightened level of strategic importance, as 'core interests' in China's foreign policy framework typically refer to issues where Beijing is unwilling to compromise, such as Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and sovereignty over the South China Sea. This elevates the dispute from a mere border contention to a fundamental issue of national sovereignty for China, mirroring India's own firm stance.

Key stakeholders in this scenario include the **United States**, which, through its DoD report, aims to shed light on China's growing military might and strategic intentions, often viewed through the lens of great power competition. The report serves to justify US strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific and highlight potential threats to regional stability. **China** is the primary subject, with its ambitious military modernization program aimed at transforming the PLA into a 'world-class' military by 2049. This includes significant advancements in naval, air, missile, space, and cyber capabilities, all geared towards projecting power and defending its perceived core interests. **India** is directly impacted, as China's territorial claims and military build-up occur along its northern borders. The report underscores the direct challenge to India's sovereignty and security, necessitating a robust defence posture and strategic diplomacy. Other **regional countries**, especially those in Southeast Asia with competing claims in the South China Sea, also watch these developments closely, as China's assertiveness has broader implications for regional security architecture.

For India, this report matters immensely. Firstly, it reiterates the persistent challenge to India's territorial integrity, particularly concerning Arunachal Pradesh. This necessitates continued vigilance and infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Secondly, China's improving military capabilities, including advanced weaponry and logistics, directly impact India's defence planning and budget. The Galwan Valley clash in 2020 served as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the border. Thirdly, the report highlights the geopolitical implications, pushing India to further strengthen its strategic partnerships, such as the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) with the US, Japan, and Australia, and its 'Act East Policy' to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. Economically, prolonged border tensions can deter foreign investment and divert resources from development to defence. Socially, it impacts border populations and nationalistic sentiments.

Historically, India has consistently asserted its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Parliament has often passed resolutions affirming Arunachal Pradesh as an integral and inalienable part of India. While there isn't a specific constitutional article solely dedicated to Arunachal Pradesh, the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, which declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, implicitly upholds the nation's territorial integrity. Furthermore, **Article 1** of the Constitution states that "India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States," and its First Schedule lists the states and their territories, including Arunachal Pradesh. **Article 355** places a duty on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance, which directly applies to safeguarding Arunachal Pradesh. India's defence policy, guided by various defence acquisition procedures (like the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020) and initiatives like 'Make in India' for defence, aims to bolster its military capabilities to address such external threats.

Looking ahead, the future implications are significant. We can anticipate continued, and potentially intensified, border tensions along the LAC, necessitating robust diplomatic engagement and military preparedness from India. China's military modernization will likely prompt India to accelerate its own defence reforms and procurements. The geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific will see increased strategic competition, with India playing a crucial role in balancing regional power dynamics. India will likely continue to diversify its defence partnerships beyond traditional allies and pursue greater multilateral cooperation in security forums. This report serves as a crucial input for India's foreign policy and national security strategy, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach encompassing military strength, diplomatic acumen, and robust economic development in border regions to counter China's growing assertiveness effectively.