Washington: In a striking revelation, a United States congressional commission has alleged that China exploited the India-Pakistan conflict to secretly test its modern weapon systems, using the battlefield as a real-time proving ground under the guise of supporting Pakistan.
The findings, highlighted in a recent report, shed new light on Beijing’s opportunistic military strategy in South Asia. According to the commission, during India’s retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor — launched after the Pahalgam terror attack — China positioned itself as Pakistan’s strategic partner while covertly deploying and evaluating its advanced defence systems.
The report states that China used the conflict to assess the performance of its HQ-9 air defence system, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and J-10 fighter jets in real combat conditions. The commission further noted that shortly after these battlefield tests, Beijing moved ahead with supplying Pakistan with a host of high-end platforms.
In June 2025, China reportedly advanced the sale of its fifth-generation J-35 fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early-warning aircraft, and ballistic missile defence equipment to Islamabad — strengthening Pakistan’s arsenal while deepening its strategic dependence on Beijing.
US authorities criticised China’s conduct as “opportunistic and irresponsible,” arguing that Beijing prioritised weapons experimentation over regional stability. They pointed out that Indian troops had previously recovered Chinese ammunition and equipment from the border following Pakistan-backed attacks, indicating the depth of China’s involvement.
The report also alleges that China relayed real-time surveillance data and operational intelligence to Pakistan during the conflict, potentially influencing Islamabad’s battlefield decisions. Analysts warn that such covert collaboration poses a long-term security threat for India, especially as China continues to expand its military footprint along the Line of Actual Control.
The commission’s findings are expected to intensify scrutiny of China-Pakistan defence ties and raise fresh concerns about Beijing’s strategic intentions in the region.
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