Is China the Real Winner in the India-Pakistan Conflict?

By A Staff Reporter

The recent four-day conflict between India and Pakistan, triggered by the brutal killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, ended with a ceasefire and mutual claims of victory. Yet, beyond the immediate military outcomes, China’s defense technology has gained significant attention as an unexpected focus in the confrontation.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam attack. The ensuing military exchanges included drones, missiles, and fighter jets from both sides.

India deployed French-made Rafale jets and Russian aircraft, while Pakistan used its Chinese co-produced J-10 and J-17 fighter jets. Both sides maintain their jets did not cross international borders, with Pakistan claiming it shot down at least six Indian planes, including Rafales—claims not confirmed by India.

Air Marshal AK Bharti of the Indian Air Force remained noncommittal on the Pakistani claims, affirming that India met its objectives and all pilots returned safely.

Pakistan’s use of Chinese fighter jets and missiles in active combat is seen by some defense experts as a major opportunity for China’s weapons industry to demonstrate its capabilities in a real conflict. This moment has been described as a “DeepSeek moment” — a reference to China’s recent breakthrough in affordable AI technology that disrupted global competition.

Retired PLA senior colonel Zhou Bo highlighted that this was a rare occasion for China to test and showcase its military platforms on a battlefield, something that had been lacking until now.

While experts differ on the full impact of these developments, the conflict has nonetheless placed China’s growing military influence in South Asia under the spotlight. This raises broader questions about Beijing’s role in the region amid ongoing India-Pakistan tensions and its strategic ambitions in the defense sector.