China probably seeks to "capitalise" on decreased tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India to "prevent the deepening of US-India ties", states a new report by US Department of War published on its site on Wednesday.
The annual report, titled 'Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China', claims that New Delhi probably remains "China's actions and motives."
"Continued mutual distrust and other irritants almost certainly limit the bilateral relationship," the Pentagon publication states.
It also took note of the breakthrough meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the margins of the BRICS Summit in Kazan last October, which was held just days after both the governments announcement a troop disengagement pact to resolve the four year-long eastern Ladakh border standoff.
"The Xi-Modi meeting marked the onset of monthly high-level engagements between the two countries, where parties discussed border management and next steps for the bilateral relationship, including direct flights, visa facilitation, and the exchange of academics and journalists," the US report said.
The report also makes a mention of the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, claiming that it is one of the "core" interests of Beijing.