China has openly acknowledged its active role in supporting Pakistan during the recent military confrontation with India, marking a rare admission of direct involvement. Engineers from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) revealed how they lent operational and technical assistance to Pakistan’s air force amid the May conflict, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Islamabad.
State broadcaster China Central Television aired interviews with AVIC personnel from the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, who described their contributions to the deployment and success of the J-10CE fighter jet used by Pakistan. One engineer likened the aircraft to a “child” nurtured and tested in challenging conditions. The J-10CE’s performance during the confrontations was described as a foreseeable outcome, illustrating how China’s military technology played a key role in Pakistan’s aerial campaigns.
Beyond technical support, China also provided real-time intelligence and satellite data on Indian military movements. Indian military officials had previously reported that China shared live coordinates and operational insights with Pakistan, enabling precise targeting. This intelligence sharing occurred even during ongoing diplomatic discussions between the two countries, highlighting the extent of Beijing’s involvement in the conflict.
The growing integration between Pakistan’s military and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) further cements this cooperation. Pakistan relies on China for the majority of its defense equipment, with over 80 percent of its military hardware imported from Beijing. This dependency facilitates closer interoperability and strategic alignment, effectively making Pakistan a crucial ally in China’s efforts to contain India’s regional ambitions.