By Soniya:
China has officially confirmed that it provided on-site technical support to Pakistan during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, linked to India’s military operation named Operation Sindoor. The confirmation was made on 7 May 2026 and has drawn attention to the growing defence cooperation between China and Pakistan.
The conflict began after a militant attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on 22 April 2025, which killed 26 civilians. In response, India launched strikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the sites were being used for planning militant activities.
According to reports, Chinese engineer Zhang Heng from the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute provided technical assistance related to Pakistan Air Force operations involving Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets. Pakistan’s J-10C aircraft were reportedly used extensively during the conflict and were claimed to have downed multiple Indian Air Force fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft.
India has repeatedly stated that China and Türkiye supported Pakistan during the operation. Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh had earlier remarked that India faced “three adversaries” during Operation Sindoor. China’s confirmation has strengthened concerns regarding the strategic military partnership between Beijing and Islamabad.
China remains Pakistan’s largest defence supplier, with nearly 81% of Pakistan’s weapon inventory between 2020 and 2024 originating from China. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), which develops combat aircraft and defence systems, plays a major role in this cooperation.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has maintained that it supports dialogue and diplomacy with India while warning that any future aggression would receive a full response.
