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Last Updated:May 29, 2025, 21:37 IST
Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang avoided directly answering questions about the role and precision of Chinese arms during the clashes
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In its first official response following the recent India-Pakistan conflict, the Chinese military on Thursday declined to comment on the performance of Chinese-made weapons used by Pakistan.
At a regular monthly press briefing, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang avoided directly answering questions about the role and precision of Chinese arms during the clashes. He also downplayed reports that India had recovered an unexploded PL-15E missile — considered one of China’s most advanced radar-guided, long-range missiles.
“The missile you mentioned is an export item and has been displayed at many defence exhibitions, both in China and abroad," Zhang said.
According to Global Times, when asked about Indian military claims that “Pakistan received support from China’s air defense and satellite systems, but the performance of these systems was below average," Zhang chose not to address the allegation directly.
Instead, he said, “We would like to stress that India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation."
Zhang also added that China is willing to play a “constructive role" in promoting a complete and lasting ceasefire and in preserving regional peace and stability.
This was the Chinese defence ministry’s first public comment following the May 7–10 military engagement between India and Pakistan. The briefing drew attention from Chinese media, especially due to Pakistan’s heavy use of Chinese weapons and the close defence ties between the two nations.
Tensions escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 civilians were killed. In response, India launched precision strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under “Operation Sindoor" on May 7. Pakistan attempted retaliatory attacks over the following three days, which India countered firmly.
According to the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China remains Pakistan’s top arms supplier, providing 81% of Pakistan’s military imports from 2020 to 2024. These include fighter jets, radars, warships, submarines, and missiles. China and Pakistan also jointly produce the JF-17 fighter aircraft, a key part of Pakistan’s air force.
(With inputs from PTI)
Location :China
First Published:News world China Dodges Question On Its Weapons' 'Below Average' Performance In India-Pakistan Conflict
