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Reuters
5 days ago
- General
- Reuters
Fact Check: Video shows China, Egypt joint military exercise, not Gaza aid drop
A video of a transport plane escorted by jets during a joint Chinese and Egyptian military exercise in April and early May has been miscaptioned online as footage of China air-dropping aid for Gaza. Chinese jets, helicopters and transport planes flew over Egypt during the countries' first joint air force exercises, the Chinese military said on May 5. On social media, a video of planes flying over the Egyptian pyramids, opens new tab shared on May 16 was captioned: 'China had recently promised to provide food aid to 60,000 families, and now it has fulfilled that promise. You can see the cargo plane carrying aid for Gaza, escorted by smaller aircraft for protection. The plane is entering Gaza through Egypt.' However, Egypt said the flight was a joint military exercise with China in Egypt and had nothing to do with aid to Gaza. A spokesperson for the Gaza government told Reuters no aid had been air-dropped there by China. The video was initially posted on TikTok, opens new tab on May 11 with no mention of Gaza. The caption, in Chinese, said it showed the Chinese Air Force flying over the Egyptian pyramids. The account did not respond to a request for comment. On May 6, the official Facebook page of the military spokesman of the Egyptian armed forces posted photos, opens new tab of the joint military exercise and Chinese state-owned broadcaster CCTV uploaded a video, opens new tab to YouTube about the exercise, saying it took place from April 19 to May 4. A military security source in Egypt told Reuters on May 20 that the video showed a joint military parade and had no connection to Gaza aid. The spokesperson's office for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters that they were not aware of the video shared online. 'China has cooperated with Egypt, Jordan and other parties to provide multiple batches of humanitarian supplies to Gaza,' and 'will continue to work tirelessly with the international community to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and achieve peace and stability in the Middle East,' the office added. China's Ministry of National Defense did not respond to a request for comment. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the government media office in the Gaza Strip, told Reuters on May 19 that China had not sent any humanitarian aid to Gaza through any relief airlifts and that China was not among the countries that participated in aerial delivery operations for aid. A spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said in a May 20 email to Reuters that no aid or commercial supplies entered Gaza between March 2 and May 19 through land, sea or air. Israel cleared nine trucks, opens new tab of goods to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing on May 19 and approved about 100 more emergency aid trucks the next day. Miscaptioned. The video shows a joint military exercise in Egypt, not the Chinese military air-dropping aid for Gaza. This article was produced by the Reuters Fact Check team. Read more about our fact-checking work.
India.com
25-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
After Pakistan, this Muslim country may buy Chinese 5th generation fighter jet J-35, is it better than Rafale? Country is…, not Turkey, Saudi, UAE, Iran
After Pakistan, this Muslim country may buy Chinese 5th generation fighter jet J-35, is it better than Rafale? Country is..., not Turkey, Saudi, UAE, Iran Cairo: Pakistan announced the purchase of the 'Made In China' stealth fighter jet J-35 in January 2024. After a recent faceoff with India, it has been revealed that Beijing is going to deliver a few units of the J-35 fighter jets to Pakistan in the coming three months. As per several media reports, it is being revealed that after Pakistan, another Muslim country is showing interest in the China-made fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. A high-ranking officer of the Egyptian Air Force has shown interest in the J-35 aircraft. If Egypt really moves forward with purchasing the fighter jet, then this will indicate a major change in its military procurement strategy. According to Morocco-based outlet Defense Arabic, Egyptian Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fuad Abdel Gawad had a discussion with Beijing regarding J-35 during the bilateral exercise 'Eagles of Civilization 2025' which was held at Wadi Abu Rish Air Base. During the meeting he looked very curious about J-35. Apart from this, Chinese officials were also giving information about their aircraft to the Egyptian Air Force officer with great interest. Will Egypt Buy Chinese Stealth Fighter Jets? However, the report of Egypt purchasing China's J-35 fighter jets has not been confirmed by either Cairo or Beijing. But this indicates to a major geopolitical change in the Middle East. Israel is already operating American F-35 stealth fighter jets to safeguard its borders. Notably, the Egyptian Air Force and Chinese Air Force organised a joint exercise called – 'Eagles of Civilisation 2025'. This indicates that the air forces of both countries are coming closer. This exercise, which was held at an airbase southeast of Cairo, included several advanced fighter jets such as China's J-10C multirole fighters, KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, Y-20 transport planes, and YU-20 aerial tankers. During this exercise, MiG-29M/M2 jets participated from Egypt's side. J-35 Fighter Jet J-35 or Gyrfalcon, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet of China. It has been developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The fighter aircraft is specially designed for stealth capability, high-tech avionics and multi-role missions. The fighter jet has a special shape and coating to avoid enemy radar. The double-engine fighter jet is loaded with AESA radar, infrared tracking, and a digital cockpit. J-35 is capable of carrying missiles and bombs like PL-10, PL-15. Notably, the Dragon has built the fighter jet to compete with stealth jets such as America's F-35 and F-22 Raptor. Beijing is now aiming to sell it to other countries. If Egypt decides to buy the J-35 from China, the decision will be a big setback for the French Rafale fighter jet. According to reports, talks are going on between Egypt and France regarding the Rafale. Egypt is also demanding technology transfer from France. In such a situation, there is now a possibility of major competition between the French Rafale and J-35 in Egypt.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
China Fast-Tracks Stealth Jets to Pakistan to Counter India: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China is fast-tracking delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, with the first batch expected by early 2026, according to senior diplomatic and military sources cited in regional defense reports and Pakistani media. Highlighted by Defence Security Asia, the accelerated timeline reflects deepening military ties amid rising tensions after recent cross-border violence with India. The move aims to strengthen Pakistan's aerial deterrence as it seeks to counter India's air force. Newsweek has reached out to China and Pakistan's defense ministries for comment. Why It Matters The expedited delivery of China's next-generation stealth fighters could shift the airpower balance in South Asia. India continues to modernize its air force with platforms like the Russian Su-30MKI and French Rafale jets, but neither possesses the stealth capabilities of the J-35A. This deal also marks China's first known export of a fifth-generation fighter jet, reflecting its ambitions as a global arms supplier. A mockup of a Chinese Air Force J-35 stealth fighter jet is displayed to the media in Zhuhai, southern China, on Nov. 10, 2024, ahead of the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition starting on... A mockup of a Chinese Air Force J-35 stealth fighter jet is displayed to the media in Zhuhai, southern China, on Nov. 10, 2024, ahead of the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition starting on Nov. 12. More Kyodo/AP Photo What to Know Originally planned for late 2026, Pakistan is now expected to receive its first batch of J-35A fighters six months earlier, possibly by August 2025 for the initial 30 jets. This acceleration follows high-level diplomatic and military exchanges, including Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar's visit to Beijing and General Zhang Youxia's trip to Islamabad. Pakistan's Strategic Ambitions Pakistan aims to close the qualitative airpower gap with India, which still fields non-stealth platforms. Pakistani media reports say the country's pilots are already training in China on the J-35A, signaling Islamabad's commitment to integrating the new stealth fighters into its fleet. Additionally, a recent post on X by an apparent Pakistan Air Force fan appears to show a J-35 in test flight, further fueling anticipation of the aircraft's imminent arrival. Pakistan received first one 'J35A Gyrfalcon' (Pakistan Flag coloured). Test flight successfully conducted in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan together with Chinese Pilots. — Pakistan Air Force (@TheRealFalcons5) May 22, 2025 The reports say China is offering Pakistan a significant 50 percent discount on the J-35A jets, along with favorable payment terms. This is widely seen as a "reward" for Pakistan's military performance during recent tensions with India and highlights the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. A Pakistani Air Force fighter jet flies over during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday, March 23, 2024. Pakistanis celebrated their National Day with a military parade that's showcasing... A Pakistani Air Force fighter jet flies over during a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday, March 23, 2024. Pakistanis celebrated their National Day with a military parade that's showcasing nation's elite army units and high-tech weaponry, including short, medium, and long-range missiles, tanks, fighter jets and other hardware. More AP Photo Regional Airpower Unveiled at a major airshow in November 2024, the J-35A became China's second stealth fighter after the J-20, positioning Beijing as only the second country—after the United States—to operate multiple fifth-generation stealth aircraft types. A recent Pentagon assessment highlights China's air force as the largest in the Indo-Pacific and the third largest worldwide, boasting more than 3,150 aircraft, including roughly 2,400 combat-ready jets capable of long-range operations. What People Are Saying Zia Ul Haque Shamshi, Retired Air Commodore, Pakistan Air Force: "India is not expected to acquire fifth-generation fighter jet capabilities within that timeframe, which will provide Pakistan with a strategic edge." Brendan Mulvaney, Director, China Aerospace Studies Institute, U.S. Air Force: "It has put the Pakistani Air Force ahead of the Indian Air Force by tying Pakistan and China further." What Happens Next If deliveries follow this accelerated schedule, Pakistan's air combat capabilities will see a significant boost, potentially altering the regional defense landscape. Regional powers, particularly India, are expected to closely monitor pilot training, operational integration, and strategic responses in the coming months.
South China Morning Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Chinese state TV tells J-10 origin story as Pakistan proclaims the fighter jet's feats
A documentary depicting how the Chinese air force played catch-up to develop its J-10 fighter jet has aired on state broadcaster CCTV, days after China confirmed its variant J-10C shot down Indian planes in the recent conflict with Pakistan. Advertisement The J-10, a single-engine, multirole combat aircraft, entered service in the Chinese air force in 2003. The J-10C is the most upgraded version of the series, equipped with a better engine and more advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. It can launch PL-15 missiles and is described as a 4.5-generation fighter. The two-part series Legend of the J-10 started showing on Wednesday on National Memory, a daily programme about the history of the Communist Party and China's development to 'guide the general public and young people to love the party and country', according to its official website. 02:29 Chinese nationalism surges across social media as viral video mocks downed Indian jets Chinese nationalism surges across social media as viral video mocks downed Indian jets The show aired at a time when there was a national frenzy around the model following news that Pakistan's air force used the export variant of the J-10C to shoot down India-operated French jets in the conflict near Kashmir on May 7. That day, Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar told parliament that J-10C jets had shot down Indian warplanes, including three French Rafale fighter jets. While Delhi did not confirm the news, a French official reported losing a Rafale operated by India in the conflict. On Saturday, in a clear reference to the Kashmir conflict, a CCTV military programme said the J-10CE – the export variant of the J-10C – had for the first time marked an achievement 'in a real battle in recent days', and that it had shot down a handful of foreign jets without losing one in conflict. Advertisement It added that the fighter jet had many advantages, including measures to reduce radar cross-section, advanced avionics system and missiles. The aircraft is on display at the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- The Sun
Watch terrifying vision of secret Chinese drone mothership that launches AI killer swarms – as it takes to skies in days
A NEW Chinese drone carrier that can launch deadly swarms against enemy targets could take to the skies within days. This unmanned "drone mother ship" is expected to take off for its first mission by the end of June as part of a drive to boost the Chinese air force's combat capabilities. 5 5 5 Named Jiu Tian - meaning "nine heavens" - this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) would add to China's ability to "swarm" enemies. This tactic involves releasing vast swarms of drones that work together to overwhelm enemy air defence systems. A video widely circulated on X shows a visualisation of the aircraft's capabilities - demonstrating its ability to release vast swarms of deadly drones. China's state broadcaster CCTV confirmed its inaugural mission on Monday. The jet-powered drone will start by undergoing a series of tests before it is fully deployed by the Chinese air force. Boasting a carrying capacity of up to six tonnes of ammunition and small-sized drones, the UAV has a maximum range of 4,350 miles and altitude of 50,000 feet. Swarms of drones, including kamikaze UAVs, can be released from both sides of the aircraft's belly. Terrifyingly, it is reportedly able to fly above many medium-range defence systems currently deployed around the world. The deadly machine is capable of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assignments - as well as electronic warfare. Inside dystopian Chinese megacity of 32 million where workers 'don't see sunlight' & Big Brother is always watching It was unveiled to the world at the Zhuhai airshow in China's southern Guangdong province last November. Jiu Tian is the latest addition to China's growing supply of advanced drone technology as UAVs become increasingly critical in modern battlefields. The drone has a maximum take-off weight of 16 tonnes and a wingspan of 25 metres. It is seen as a rival to American drone models such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk and the MQ-9 Reaper, according to the South China Morning Post. The Chinese aircraft was designed by the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China and built by Xian Chida Aircraft Parts Manufacturing. The manufacturer says that Jiu Tian's design allows it to carry out various functions such as high-security transport, border defence, emergency rescue and more. It comes as China has sought to ramp up its military capabilities in recent years. This has not just been limited to drones, with China also working to build several vast aircraft carriers over the past decade. China's military buildup has been watched warily around the world, as Beijing has long refused to rule out attempting to annex Taiwan by force. China has frequently carried out naval drills in the Taiwan Strait - which are widely seen as preparation for a potential invasion. Taiwan, known diplomatically as the Republic of China, has never been controlled by the Beijing-led People's Republic of China. But Chinese President Xi Jinping, who sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, has vowed to bring the island under Beijing's control. Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te recently said: "Eighty years after the end of the European war, the message of history is clear. "Today, 80 years later, we share the same values and face similar challenges as many of the democracies that participated in the European war." 5 5
