Beijing, May 11 - In a surprising diplomatic sidestep, China's Foreign Ministry has distanced itself from Pakistan’s bold claims regarding the use of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets in a recent military confrontation with India. The statement, delivered by spokesperson Lin Jian during a regular media briefing in Beijing, was a terse “I am not familiar with the matter” when pressed about Pakistan’s assertion that its air force deployed these advanced jets to counter Indian air defenses. This response has sparked intrigue, given the close strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, often described as an “all-weather” alliance, and the significant role Chinese military technology plays in Pakistan’s defense arsenal. The incident underscores the delicate balance Beijing maintains in navigating regional tensions and its global image as a military power.
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The controversy began when Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar claimed that J-10C jets, manufactured by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, were instrumental in downing five Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafale aircraft, during a skirmish on May 7, 2025. The engagement, described by Pakistani officials as a response to India’s “Operation Sindoor,” followed a deadly terror attack in Kashmir that India attributed to Pakistan-based groups. Pakistan’s narrative painted the J-10C as a game-changer, with Dar asserting that the jets, armed with PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles, outmaneuvered India’s sophisticated air force, marking the first combat success for the J-10C and the first reported loss of a Rafale in battle. These claims, if verified, would signal a significant milestone for China’s defense industry, showcasing the J-10C’s capabilities against Western technology.
India, however, has remained largely silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the loss of aircraft. Official statements from New Delhi emphasized the success of its S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra” air defense systems, acquired from Russia, in neutralizing Pakistani drones and missiles targeting 15 military installations across northern and western India. The Indian Air Force’s reticence has fueled speculation, though a French Defense Ministry source acknowledged the loss of at least one Rafale, adding credibility to Pakistan’s claims. Meanwhile, U.S. officials, speaking anonymously to Reuters, expressed “high confidence” that Pakistan used J-10C jets to fire air-to-air missiles, downing at least two Indian aircraft. This external validation has intensified interest in the J-10C’s performance, particularly in Washington and Beijing, where the clash is seen as a rare test of Chinese military hardware against Western counterparts.
The J-10C, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, represents a pinnacle of China’s aerospace ambitions. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced avionics, and the WS-10B engine, it is designed to rival Western fighters like the F-16 and Rafale. Pakistan, the only foreign operator of the J-10C, acquired 25 jets in 2022 to counter India’s Rafale fleet. The jet’s reported ability to jam the Rafale’s radar and communication systems, as claimed by Pakistani Defense Minister Khwaja Asif, has drawn attention to China’s advancements in electronic warfare. Yet, Beijing’s cautious response suggests a reluctance to be drawn into the India-Pakistan conflict. Analysts speculate that China’s “not familiar” stance may reflect diplomatic prudence, avoiding escalation with India, a key economic partner, or a desire to maintain ambiguity about its technology’s combat record until independently verified. The financial markets, however, reacted swiftly. Shares of AVIC Chengdu Aircraft, the J-10C’s manufacturer, surged 40% over two days, reflecting investor confidence in the jet’s potential export prospects. Countries like Uzbekistan and Egypt, reportedly considering the J-10C, may view the clash as a testament to their capabilities. For China, the incident offers a rare glimpse into its military technology’s real-world performance, especially as it seeks to challenge Western dominance in the global arms market. Yet, Beijing’s reticence highlights a strategic calculus: while Pakistan’s claims bolster China’s defense industry, openly endorsing them risks complicating its broader geopolitical objectives. As tensions simmer in South Asia, the world watches closely, not just for the outcome of the India-Pakistan standoff, but for what it reveals about the rising prowess of Chinese military technology.