Despite Battlefield Setback, China Eyes 'Top Tier' Arms Exporter Status Post Op Sindoor
Last Updated:
Despite multiple Chinese weapons underperforming during Operation Sindoor, China launched an aggressive misinformation campaign.
China is leveraging the recent India-Pakistan conflict to accelerate its ambitions of becoming a top-tier global arms supplier, challenging the dominance of the United States and Russia in the defence export market.
Top intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that Beijing turned the conflict into a live demonstration of its weapons, providing around 81 per cent of Pakistan's defence equipment during the operation.
This included high-profile deployments of J-10C fighter jets, PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, and Wing Loong drones—making Pakistan a de facto display window for Chinese arms.
Marketing War?
Despite multiple Chinese weapons systems underperforming during the conflict—particularly the PL-15 missiles, which were intercepted by India's Indigenous Akashteer air defence system—China launched an aggressive misinformation campaign.
Chinese state media, especially Global Times, amplified Pakistan's false claims of shooting down Indian Rafale jets using AI-generated videos and recycled footage, crafting a narrative of parity with Western technology.
The coordinated disinformation effort, supported by Pakistani media, aimed to project Chinese weaponry as battle-tested, reinforcing Beijing's strategic narrative and commercial aspirations.
Economic Motive
Chinese defence stocks surged in the immediate aftermath of the India-Pakistan conflict. AVIC Chengdu Aircraft, which manufactures the J-10C, saw a 36 per cent spike in share value within two days. Analysts say this reflects how Beijing turned a limited regional conflict into a marketing blitz for its arms industry.
The price advantage is another major selling point. China offers weapons at 30–50 per cent less than Western alternatives.
These competitive prices attract interest from budget-conscious militaries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. Algeria and Nigeria have reportedly shown renewed interest in acquiring JF-17 fighters and Wing Loong drones following the conflict.
Pakistan As A Showcase Client
Pakistan's heavy reliance on Chinese arms—amounting to $20 billion in pre-war defence deals—has made it China's most prominent client and a strategic partner in its global arms push.
The conflict further highlighted Beijing's role as Pakistan's sole major weapons supplier.
However, defence experts note that Operation Sindoor was also a 'wake-up call" for China's arms industry. Battlefield failures provided actionable insights for research and development, which Chinese manufacturers are expected to use to enhance future systems.
A New Kind Of Arms Dealer
China's approach signals a shift in global arms trade norms. By blending real-world deployments with aggressive disinformation, Beijing is emerging as a 'hybrid arms dealer"—one that markets not just weapons, but the illusion of technological dominance.
Operation Sindoor, while militarily mixed, was a strategic experiment for Beijing. And despite the setbacks, the operation may mark a turning point in China's quest to secure a seat at the table of top global arms exporters.
Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
10 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Ashley Biden breaks silence on Joe Biden's mental decline claims amid cancer diagnosis: ‘This family's only coverup is…'
Ashley Biden, former US president Joe Biden's daughter, has broken silence on claims about her father's mental and physical health decline, calling them "DAMN disrespectful and untrue. Taking to Instagram on Monday, Ashley posted a picture with her father and mother Jill Biden from the beach, saying that she was 'too grateful to be angry about all the bulls.' 'This family's only coverup is a beach coverup,' Ashley wrote. In support of her father, Ashley claimed that he gave every effort in his role as president and rejected claims that he was mentally deteriorating while in office in books such as 'Original Sin.' 'He aged, YES! As we all do! And the stress of the presidency accelerates. But he was always MORE than capable of doing the job. And a damn good one. He worked harder than anyone I have ever known – he took his duty and sacred obligation to this country very seriously,' the daughter of former president wrote. Also Read: Who was Dr Florian Willet? Euthanasia activist dies by assisted suicide after traumatic arrest Without criticising CNN's Jake Tapper or Axios' Alex Thompson's new book, she slammed what she called recent 'noise' from 'fake news' regarding Biden. 'The noise is so DAMN disrespectful and untrue… AND, it's just that – noise/static – created by those committed to perpetuating and profiting from some real BS,' Ashley Biden adding, 'Get lost with your fake news and anonymous sources.' After Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis was made public last month, she expressed gratitude for the all the love and support her family had received. Ashley Biden's remarks come a few weeks after Naomi Biden, Biden's granddaughter, publicly blasted the book in an X post. 'Just read a copy of this silly book, and if anyone is curious for a review from someone who lived it first-hand: this book is political fairy smut for the permanent, professional chattering class. The ones who rarely enter the arena, but profit from the spectacle of those that do. Put simply, it amounts to a bunch of unoriginal, uninspired lies written by irresponsible self promoting journalists out to make a quick buck,' Hunter Biden's daughter wrote.
New Indian Express
21 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
'Unity in diversity is India's national language': DMK MP Kanimozhi tells Indian diaspora in Spain
'Unity in diversity' - that was DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi's response when asked what India's national language is. Kanimozhi, who is leading a multi-party delegation to Spain as part of India's outreach programme following Operation Sindoor, said that this was the core message her delegation aimed to share with the world. 'The national language of India is unity in diversity. That is the message this delegation brings to the world, and that is the most important thing today,' she said speaking to members of the Indian diaspora in Madrid. Her remark comes amid an ongoing language row between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the Centre, particularly over the three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Kanimozhi also addressed concerns about terrorism and national security, saying the focus must remain on development and peace. 'There's so much to do in our country, but we are being diverted. We have to deal with issues like terrorism and unnecessary wars,' she said. Reassuring the diaspora about safety in India, especially in Kashmir, she added: 'India is a safe place. They may try whatever they want, but they cannot derail us. We will ensure that Kashmir remains safe.' Spain marks the final stop in the delegation's five-nation tour, after which the team will return to India. The delegation also includes SP MP Rajeev Kumar Rai, BJP's Brijesh Chowta, AAP's Ashok Mittal, RJD's Prem Chand Gupta, and former diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri.
Pink Villa
23 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Is Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam reunion on cards? Here's what Thug Life director has to say
Rajinikanth and director Mani Ratnam had previously collaborated on the iconic film Thalapathi, which was released in 1991. Now, the filmmaker has spilled the tea on this and whether fans can expect a reunion from them. In an interaction with News18, the director said, 'I think you should ask Rajini sir. You should see… we never know. After Thug Life, I plan to take a break. I have four scripts in mind, but none of them are fully fleshed out yet. If nothing comes out of them, then that's the end of it.' For those unaware, the superstar and visionary director had previously worked together in Thalapathi. The film was based on the Hindu epic Mahabharata and the friendship shared between Karna and Duryodhana. It portrays Surya, an orphan who dwells in the slums and is known for his benevolent nature. After he scuffles with a goon, he gets acknowledged by a mighty gangster called Deva, and later they become friends. As things start to come under the joint guidance of Surya and Deva, things take a turn when a righteous district collector comes into play who also happens to be a kin of Surya. The rest of the film focuses on how Surya attempts to reconnect with his roots and how his friendship with Deva develops amid these events. Aside from the superstar, the movie also had actors Mammootty and Arvind Swamy as co-leads. Coming to Mani Ratnam 's upcoming venture, the director is slated to hit the big screen with a film starring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR, titled Thug Life. The gangster actioner tells the tale of Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, an aging Yakuza-like gangster who has raised his foster son, Amaran, to take over his place in the mafia. However, when Sakthivel is presumed dead, all suspicions lead to his adopted son. Now, with vengeance in mind, the former makes a return from his grave, eager to settle the scores for once and for all. Apart from Haasan and STR, the film has Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and more in key roles. On the other hand, Rajinikanth will be hitting the big screens on August 14, 2025, with the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial Coolie.
