India’s Operation Sindore Impacting Pakistan and China
India’s Operation Sindore is significantly affecting both Pakistan and China. Pakistan is entangled in its involvement with cross-border terrorism and is facing considerable losses of military assets, coupled with failures of the military equipment it purchased and diplomatic setbacks with its “Iron Friend” allies.
Following the terrorist attacks in Pahargam, China voiced its concerns, urging restraint from India while simultaneously reaffirming its support for Pakistan in both regional contexts and within the UN #1267 al-Qaeda sanctions committee. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged in discussions with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and India’s national security adviser, Ajit Doval.
Diplomatic Discrepancies
Interestingly, some Chinese bloggers criticized India for what they termed “escalation,” labeling its actions as “destabilizing,” even as they expressed support for Pakistan’s drone strikes near the Indian border. They insisted that there isn’t sufficient evidence tying Pakistan to cross-border terrorism. Despite attempts at mediation, China seemed at a loss when Pakistan opted to engage with the U.S. for a ceasefire.
China’s backing of Pakistan-based terrorist activities and its diplomatic support for Islamabad have tarnished its reputation as a responsible global player. The short-sighted strategy of standing by its “all-weather” friends may be detrimental to its long-term strategic objectives.
A military face-off has highlighted China’s shortcomings. Most of the military gear, estimated to cost Pakistan over $2 billion, has either malfunctioned, missed intended targets, or been destroyed.
The J-10C and JF-17 Saga
For instance, China sold Pakistan the “active dragon” J-10C fighter aircraft for around $40 million per unit, available since 2022. In contrast, an F-16 carries a price tag of about $80 million, while a Rafale exceeds $200 million. Pakistan claims it has deployed them against Indian Rafale, SU-30 MKI, and MIG-29 aircraft.
Yet, despite assertions from Pakistani sources and Chinese bloggers about downing six Indian aircraft, they have not provided evidence such as wreckage or satellite images. In contrast, India has shared satellite data pinpointing strikes at 11 airfields in Pakistan, asserting that all its pilots returned safely.
Additionally, China provided the JF-17 “Thunder” Block III to Pakistan under a manufacturing agreement. These 156 aircraft are similarly priced at roughly $35 million each and share equipment features like missiles and radars with the J-10C.
Both aircraft utilize PL-15 air-to-air missiles that can reach 150-200 km. While the Rafale’s meteor missile has a similar range, the engines in the Pakistani aircraft are less efficient compared to the Rafale’s. Though promoted as modern, Pakistani planes fall short in terms of payload, combat range, and survival rates. A spokesman for the Pakistani defense confirmed the loss of two JF-17s during an Indian counterattack.
Missile Issues
Moreover, several PL-15 missiles malfunctioned or failed to strike targets, with some crashing without detonating in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur and Bathinda districts.
Critiques from Chinese bloggers directed at Pakistani defense forces highlighted their lack of professionalism and inadequate training concerning the equipment supplied. There were reminders of failures in integrating advanced air defense systems and poor coordination with Chinese military advisors.
Shortcomings in Air Defense
In 2021, China sold Pakistan the HQ-9P air defense system, a comprehensive package that included numerous missiles and radar systems for $600 million, intended to safeguard Lahore and Sialkot. However, neither this air defense nor Chinese ISR equipment managed to identify incoming Indian missiles.
Back in 2018, China also contributed 48 Wing Loong II armed drones to Pakistan, costing a substantial sum per unit. Many of these units were reportedly destroyed during Indian strikes aimed at the Sukkur Air Base.
Missed Opportunities
This scenario marked a missed chance for China to showcase its military capability effectively. While its army is often engaged in operations near the Taiwan Strait, this real combat environment was absent. Operation Sindore exposed the limitations of Chinese military prowess.
Financially, the India-Pakistan conflict could impose setbacks for China. Concerns are mounting about choosing between Islamabad and New Delhi for trade opportunities, especially given the backdrop of fluctuating tariffs. An agreement reached on May 11 between the U.S. and China aimed at significant tariff reductions seems tenuous.
Losing Trust
Crucially, China appeared to see the India-Pakistan conflict as an avenue to sell military equipment. However, the declining effectiveness of its military offerings in Pakistan is shaking investor confidence. Following a ceasefire announcement by Pakistan, shares of Chinese military suppliers like the Aviation Industry Corporation rose in initial profits, but the inconsistent performance of China’s military tools has dented business sectors.
Conversely, the Mumbai Stock Exchange noted increases, hitting over 3.5% growth after the ceasefire, which indirectly boosted demand for Indian arms exports, particularly for products like BrahMos and Akash.
Ultimately, China’s involvement in the Indian-Pakistani conflict has proven to be quite costly from diplomatic, military, and financial standpoints.
