Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated with Pakistan’s recent admission of deploying advanced Chinese military hardware, including the J-1
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated with Pakistan’s recent admission of deploying advanced Chinese military hardware, including the J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles, in operations against India. Surprisingly, Beijing has opted for a calculated silence, avoiding any official stance on the matter, leaving analysts to speculate on the geopolitical motives behind this reticence.
The Pakistani Claim and China’s Response
Pakistan’s military authorities have boldly stated that their forces utilized the Chinese-supplied J-10C jets, fitted with the sophisticated PL-15 air-to-air missiles, during recent skirmishes with India. Social media platforms in China are rife with patriotic fervor celebrating the J-10C’s capabilities. However, the Chinese government, under President Xi Jinping, has refrained from acknowledging or commenting on these claims. This silence is particularly notable given the failure of China’s HQ-9 air defense system to counter Indian offensives effectively, raising questions about the reliability of Chinese military technology.
Deliberate Quiet Diplomacy
A detailed analysis by East Asia Times, based in Hong Kong, suggests that China’s muted response is a strategic choice influenced by its complex international relations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhang Wei denied any knowledge of Chinese aircraft involvement in the conflict, stating, “We have no evidence to support such claims.” Yet, a contradictory revelation from Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Khan indicated that China’s ambassador was actively engaged in late-night discussions at his office during the height of the conflict. Beijing’s official line has been limited to a call for both nations to de-escalate, hinting at a desire to avoid direct entanglement.
Geopolitical Chessboard
The underlying cause of China’s cautious approach appears to be the fragile state of its relations with India, which have remained strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley incident. Conversely, Pakistan continues to be a key ally and the largest purchaser of Chinese arms. This conflict coincides with a turbulent global landscape, where China faces security challenges and diplomatic friction with the United States over technology restrictions, alongside ongoing disputes with Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
Arms Export Ambitions
China is intensifying efforts to expand its arms exports, targeting Gulf nations to reduce their reliance on American weaponry. Despite Western firms dominating the regional arms market, China holds a 5.9% share of the global arms trade, ranking fourth behind the United States’ commanding 43%. Pakistan remains the sole operator of the J-10C, though Egypt is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire the aircraft. However, skepticism surrounds China’s military prowess, both internationally and domestically, due to its lack of recent combat experience, casting a shadow over its export drive.
Conclusion
As India and Pakistan navigate this latest chapter of their rivalry, China’s silence speaks volumes about its balancing act on the world stage. With its eyes set on expanding military influence, Beijing must carefully manage its alliances and address growing doubts about its technological edge. The global community watches closely as this drama unfolds
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