China Confirms Technical Support to Pakistan

China confirmed on 7 May 2026 that it provided on-site technical support to Pakistan during a four-day conflict with India in May 2025. The confirmation concerned Chinese personnel involvement in an India-Pakistan clash linked to the military operation India called Operation Sindoor.

Operation Sindoor and the 2025 Conflict

The conflict began on 7 May 2025 after a militant attack in Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir on 22 April 2025 killed 26 civilians. Indian forces launched strikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, and India stated that the sites were used to plan the attack.

Chinese Technical Support and Defence Links

Zhang Heng, an engineer from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, provided technical support to Pakistan during the conflict. The support was linked to Pakistan’s air force and its Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, which are part of the J-10 family of multirole combat aircraft. Pakistan’s J-10C fighters were reported to have shot down multiple Indian Air Force fighters during the 2025 conflict, including between one and four Rafale aircraft. India has maintained that China provided support to Pakistan during the conflict, and Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh stated in July 2025 that India faced three adversaries during Operation Sindoor, with China and Türkiye providing support to Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Arms Imports and Bilateral Defence Ties

China has supplied a large share of Pakistan’s military equipment, and about 81% of Pakistan’s weapon inventory between 2020 and 2024 was of Chinese origin. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China is a major Chinese state-owned aerospace and defence enterprise, and the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute is associated with the development of Chinese combat aircraft.

Important Facts for Exams

• Operation Sindoor is the name used by India for the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.
• Pahalgam is located in Indian-administered Kashmir and was the site of the 22 April 2025 militant attack.
• The J-10CE is a Chinese-made fighter aircraft operated by the Pakistan Air Force.
• Pakistan’s weapon inventory between 2020 and 2024 was about 81% of Chinese origin.

Diplomatic Position of Pakistan

Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated on 8 May 2026 that its approach to relations with India remains focused on dialogue and diplomacy. It also warned of a full response to any aggression.