China has publicly acknowledged for the first time that it provided technical assistance to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the brief but intense military conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025.
According to Chinese media reports, Chinese engineers were present at Pakistani airbases during the conflict to support and maintain Chinese-made fighter aircraft used by the Pakistan Air Force. The reports said the teams worked closely with Pakistani personnel to keep the aircraft operational during the four-day military standoff.
The admission is significant because Beijing had earlier avoided commenting directly on any role during the conflict. The latest reports are being viewed as a rare public confirmation of China’s involvement, even if limited to technical support.
Operation Sindoor began after the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed. India responded with strikes targeting terror camps across the border, leading to heightened tensions and military exchanges between India and Pakistan.
Chinese state media reportedly interviewed engineers who described working under pressure while ensuring Pakistan’s defence systems continued functioning smoothly. Reports indicated that support was mainly linked to Chinese-origin J-10 fighter jets and related equipment operated by Pakistan.
China and Pakistan share close military ties, with Beijing being one of Islamabad’s biggest defence partners. Over the years, the two countries have worked together on fighter aircraft, missile systems, and other defence projects.
Security experts say the admission could add to India’s concerns over growing defence cooperation between China and Pakistan, especially during periods of regional tension. While technical support between allied countries is not unusual, China openly acknowledging its role during the conflict has drawn attention internationally.
The Indian government has not officially reacted to the reports so far.
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