by Olivier Acuña Barba •Published: May 9, 2025•23:09•2 minutes read
China and Western Army Technological Clash India and Pakistan | Photo: Rehan Waheed/Sshutterstock
Recent escalations between India and Pakistan carelessly lit up Chinese military technology in real-world combat scenarios, providing a complete glimpse into performance against Western-made systems. This development has great significance in global defence mechanics and the arms trade.
According to the US Sun, on May 7, 2025, a significant aviation conflict took place involving more than 100 fighter jets between India and Pakistan. Report. Pakistan claimed that a Chinese-made J-10C fighter jet equipped with a PL-15 missile successfully defeated several Indian aircraft, including a French-made Rafares. Over the past five years, China has provided 81% of Pakistan’s imported weapons. data From Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
According to To CNBC, “Pakistan is the largest buyer of Chinese military, including fighter jets, air defense systems, naval vessels, UAVs and more,” said Yang Zi, an associate researcher at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
China and West observe the collision of their weapons
Although India has not confirmed the losses, the incident shows a prominent example of a direct conflict between China and Western military technology.
Sajjan Gohel, International Security Director at the London-based Asia-Pacific Foundation, said:
China is a rising military power despite not fighting a massive war for over 40 years. According to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegses, that is what you need to look closely at His opinionthey aim to have the ability to successfully fight the US military.
Chinese “Iron” Brothers
Under Leader XI Jinping, China has competed to modernize its military, leading a huge resource in developing sophisticated weapons and cutting-edge technology. It also expanded the drive for modernization to Pakistan, which has long been hailed as the “brother of Ironclads.” I said.
The reported success of Chinese weapons in this conflict led to a surge in the stock price of China’s avic chengdu aircraft, the manufacturer of the J-10C. This suggests an increase in trust in China’s military exports, and could impact future arms sales, particularly in areas where access to Western technology is limited.
The conflict shows deepening military ties between China and Pakistan, with China supplying a significant portion of Pakistan’s military hardware.
This partnership reflects broader geopolitical changes as states change the strategic balance of South Asia and reevaluate alliances and defence strategies in response to evolving global power dynamics.
A glimpse of China’s defense restructuring regional conflicts
The Chinese and Pakistani military are taking part in increasingly sophisticated joint air, sea and land exercises, including combat simulations and drills to suck crew members.
“Beijing’s longstanding support for Islamabad through hardware, training and now increasingly AI-enabled targeting has quietly changed the tactical balance,” Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the US-based Foundation for Democracy, told CNN.
“This is no more bilateral clashes, it’s a glimpse into how China’s defense exports are restructuring regional deterrence,” he added.
As Pakistan is armed primarily by China and India, it sources more than 50% of its military power from the US and its alliances, all conflicts between the two neighbors may be seen as a showdown between China and Western military technology.
As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring and recognizes that the consequences of such regional conflicts have broad implications beyond immediate theatres.
