By Pakistan Highlights Use of Chinese Arms
After a short conflict with India, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister visited China—its biggest military supplier. This visit came just days after Pakistan claimed success using Chinese-made weapons during the fighting.
Pakistani Jets Claim Indian Losses
Pakistan stated that its Chinese J10-C fighter jets had shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets made in France. If true, this would show China’s rising power in the global weapons market.
Experts Say More Proof Is Needed
Military experts say it’s too early to confirm how effective China’s weapons really were. They point out that the fighting was brief and that full details are missing. According to Lyle Morris from the Asia Society Policy Institute, this was a rare look at Chinese weapons facing Western technology.
China Is a Major Supplier but Still Behind
China spends a lot on its military, but it still trails behind the United States in weapon sales. Chinese drones and missiles have been used in places like Yemen and Africa, but this is the first time in decades that such a large number of Chinese weapons were used in a state-to-state war.
What Pakistan Used in Battle
Pakistan used several Chinese weapons, including:
- J10-C “Vigorous Dragon” and JF-17 Thunder fighter jets
- HQ-9P long-range missile systems
- Chinese radar systems and drones
This was the first real combat for the J10-C jet, which is designed for air-to-air combat.
Indian Losses Not Confirmed
India has not officially said it lost any planes. However, some reports say three Indian jets crashed. Dassault Aviation, the maker of the Rafale, has not commented. Experts say even if China’s jets performed well, Indian pilots and other factors must be considered before drawing big conclusions.
Stock Market Reaction and Future Sales
After the clash, the stock of Chengdu Aircraft Company—maker of the J10-C—rose by more than 40%. Experts expect more orders for Chinese weapons, but they also note that China faces challenges like producing jet engines in large numbers.
Final Take: It’s Too Soon to Judge
Analysts warn against making strong claims about China’s global military strength based on this short conflict. China’s exported weapons are not as advanced as its own. What really matters, they say, is how weapons are used and how well-trained the users are.
