Recent assessments by the U.S. Department of Defense indicate that despite tentative diplomatic progress, China continues its military preparations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India, viewing Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Tawang sector, as a “core interest” akin to Taiwan. The report details China’s military modernization, including live-fire drills and enhanced missile capabilities, which suggests a persistent intent to maintain pressure on India while seeking to stabilize relations to counteract deepening U.S.-India ties. In reaction, Indian defenses have been fortified, emphasizing readiness against potential threats, particularly with the integration of advanced systems like the S-400 and BrahMos missiles. China’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed U.S. claims, asserting that the border dispute is solely a bilateral issue and expressing concerns that U.S. interference could exacerbate tensions. The broader implications of this dynamic underscore the ongoing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region, raising challenges for India’s security posture as it navigates its multi-aligned foreign policy amidst rising Sino-Pak cooperation and Chinese military expansion.