Beijing: The Chinese military on Thursday sidestepped direct questions regarding the performance of China-made weapons used by Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. At a press briefing, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Sr Col. Zhang Xiaogang downplayed India’s reported recovery of an unexploded PL-15E missile, a radar-guided, beyond-visual-range air-to-air weapon.
“The missile you mentioned is an export equipment and has been shown at defence exhibitions at home and abroad many times,” Zhang stated, offering no direct comment on its battlefield performance.
Zhang also refrained from addressing Indian officials’ claims that China supported Pakistan with air defence and satellite intelligence during the May 7–10 military confrontation. He further avoided responding to allegations that Chinese weapon systems underperformed in actual combat.
“India and Pakistan are neighbours that cannot be moved away,” said Zhang, repeating the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s earlier line. “We hope that both sides can remain calm and restrained and avoid action further complicating the situation.”
This was the first official response from the Chinese Defence Ministry following the cross-border hostilities, which intensified after India launched precision strikes on May 7 under Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
During the conflict, Pakistan reportedly launched retaliatory attacks on Indian positions on May 8, 9, and 10, which were met with firm Indian responses.
Despite not addressing military performance directly, Zhang noted China’s continued interest in playing a “constructive role” in ensuring a comprehensive ceasefire and maintaining regional peace.
The Chinese media has shown increased interest in the conflict, especially given the widespread use of Chinese-origin weaponry by Pakistan. A report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed that from 2020 to 2024, 81% of Pakistan’s imported arms came from China, underlining Beijing’s deep defence ties with Islamabad.
