Overview
- China’s HQ-9 air defenses, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and J-10C fighters were cited as making their combat debut in the May skirmish, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission reported.
- The panel says Beijing promoted battlefield narratives to boost sales, citing French intelligence that alleged a disinformation push to undercut Rafale jets and elevate Chinese models.
- The report relays that Chinese embassy officials persuaded Indonesia to pause a Rafale purchase, reflecting broader efforts to influence regional procurement decisions.
- Pakistan claimed at least six Indian aircraft were shot down, including Rafales, while India acknowledged losses without numbers and later said it downed Pakistani and F-16 jets, leaving key combat claims disputed.
- The four-day exchange of missiles, drones, and artillery ended after a US-brokered ceasefire, and China has not publicly responded to the report; SIPRI data show China supplied most of Pakistan’s recent arms imports.