Beijing admits sending technical teams to assist Pakistan during war

China has publicly acknowledged for the first time that its military personnel provided active on-site technical support to Pakistan during the 2025 conflict with India. State broadcaster CCTV aired an interview with Zhang Heng, a senior engineer from the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, who detailed his deployment to a Pakistani airbase during the intense four-day skirmish. This admission confirms that Chinese experts were embedded with the Pakistan Air Force as it engaged Indian assets during the multi-domain offensive known as Operation Sindoor.

Beijing’s disclosure centers on the performance of the J-10CE fighter jets, a 4.5-generation aircraft developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Zhang described working under extreme conditions, with temperatures hitting 50 degrees Celsius, to ensure the fighter fleet maintained full combat potential. Chinese officials suggest these platforms were responsible for downing Indian aircraft, a claim that remains a point of heavy contention in New Delhi.

Recent military history shows that Pakistan has become almost entirely dependent on Beijing for high-end hardware, with Chinese equipment now making up over 80 percent of its total arms imports. This shift represents a move away from Western suppliers toward a more integrated "all-weather" defense partnership.

Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, to dismantle terror networks across the Line of Control following a deadly attack in Pahalgam. While India utilized indigenous BrahMos missiles and Rafale jets, the involvement of Chinese technicians on the ground suggests a deeper level of collusion than previously confirmed.

Beijing confirms wartime presence

Engineers described the experience as a mental and physical ordeal. They monitored flight operations and air-raid sirens while providing real-time maintenance for the J-10CE jets. This confirmation reinforces India’s long-standing concerns regarding a two-front threat. It highlights how Beijing now plays a direct role in sustaining Pakistan's aerial warfare capabilities during active border hostilites. ​​​​​​​