Overview
- In its annual report to Congress, the US–China Economic and Security Review Commission alleges Beijing ran a coordinated campaign using fake accounts and AI or video‑game imagery to depict downed Indian aircraft and damage Rafale’s reputation in favor of the J‑35.
- The Commission says Chinese Embassy officials convinced Indonesia to pause a Rafale purchase already underway, portraying this as part of a diplomatic push to steer procurements toward Chinese systems.
- Detailing the May 7–10 fighting known as Operation Sindoor, launched after April’s Pahalgam attack, the report frames the episode as an opportunity Beijing used to promote its weapons and expand defense‑export goals.
- Following the clash, China reportedly offered Pakistan 40 J‑35 fighters along with KJ‑500 aircraft and missile defenses, and the report highlights growing China–Pakistan exercises and Pakistan’s heavy reliance on Chinese arms.
- The document notes disputed battlefield narratives, stating only three Indian jets were reportedly downed and not all may have been Rafales, while also relaying India’s claim of Chinese ‘live inputs’ to Pakistan that Islamabad denies and Beijing has not confirmed.