Bangladesh, Dec. 25 -- China has sharply criticized the United States for what it describes as deliberate interference in Beijings relations with New Delhi, following a Pentagon report that alleged China is seeking to prevent closer strategic ties between India and Washington. The exchange underscores intensifying great-power rivalry in Asia, where Indias rising geopolitical importance has made it a central arena for competition between the US and China.

Speaking at a media briefing on December 25, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the Pentagon report as “irresponsible,” accusing Washington of distorting Chinas defense policy and attempting to drive a wedge between China and other countries, including I...