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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
After DeepSeek, China's JC10 moment
The writer heads the independent Centre for Research and Security Studies, Islamabad. He is currently a visiting Research Fellow at Fudan University, Shanghai Listen to article Amidst the intricate tapestry of Chinese intellectual and academic circles, a distinct sense of pride permeates the nation's achievements. The recent, albeit perilous, Indo-Pak confrontation (May 7-10) serves as a catalyst for this sentiment. As the ongoing war of information and propaganda intensifies, Chinese intellectuals eagerly celebrate the groundbreaking milestones achieved through their technological advancements, particularly in the domains of AI-driven satellites, jet fighters and missiles, in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force. They find amusement in the spotlight that has been bestowed upon their defence hardware, which emerged triumphant after four days of engagement. Following the DeepSeek, Beijing and Shanghai have experienced a collective sense of triumph akin to the JC10-PL15 Moment for most academics. This moment is fueled by the successful demonstration of their technology, which has garnered widespread attention. An excerpt from The National Interest elucidates the recriminations between the Indian and French governments over access to source codes for the Rafale jets. These events have engendered both anger in India and amusement in Beijing. Chinese social media platforms have been abuzz with these developments, as they find amusement in the circumstances. After all, why should they not? Chinese weapons and warplanes exceeded expectations during the conflict. When news emerged of India's inability to access Dassault's source code, coinciding with India's capture of an intact Chinese PL-15 missile, one of Beijing's "wolf warrior", diplomats took to X to mock New Delhi: "India invested $288 million per Rafale, yet they lack access to the source code. Furthermore, they assert their ability to 'extract the software' from the wreckage of a PL-15 missile. However, they are unable to access the fundamental functions of their own Rafale jets." While exuberance is understandable, it should not be construed as complacency. The Indo-Pak confrontation has only served as a catalyst for further pursuit of excellence through meticulous deliberation and strategic planning, both domestically and internationally. Discussions at universities, think tanks and official quarters continue to be influenced by the recent four-day conflict between nuclear rivals, India and Pakistan. The episode appears to have energised Chinese academia to engage in forward planning and explore options for enhanced and more effective cooperation with partner countries, particularly Pakistan. Why is this the case? Consistency is ensured by the Communist Party, which underpins China's entire political economy and the intellectual growth led by a dedicated leadership that ascends the political ladder through a rigorous accountability process. Only those with the utmost integrity and demonstrated commitment to the party and the people are successful in this process. What unites these individuals is an unwavering faith in the well-being of citizens and the belief that investment in human resources is essential for progress. Whether it is the iconic Great Wall in Beijing or Shanghai, Yiwu or Guangzhou, China's defence hi-tech capabilities, dozens of high-altitude glass bridges, or Shanghai's Global Finance Center, they all convey the same message: unwavering policy consistency, honesty and visionary leadership, coupled with absolute focus on the welfare and education of the people. These factors have transformed China and propelled it to a position where it is now asserting itself even against the United States. While President Trump's bullying tactics were met with resistance, China agreed to engage in diplomatic discussions but refused to yield. The recent grand summit in Kuala Lumpur, which involved China, ASEAN and the GCC, provided a glimpse of Beijing's unwavering commitment to peaceful engagement and win-win cooperation rather than coercive diplomacy. While President Biden's Build Back Better World initiative has seemingly lost momentum, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) continues to thrive and attract an increasing number of countries. Since Xi Jinping assumed the presidency in 2012, China has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in research and capacity building. Notably, the Chinese military has undergone a significant reduction in personnel, with nearly 300,000 personnel being eliminated. Additionally, the generals have been instructed to prioritise their professional duties and future challenges rather than engaging in commercial ventures. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) must maintain its focus on excellence and avoid any involvement in commercial activities. Both the PLA and the Communist Party have endured severe purges of high-ranking officials for corruption, inefficiency and betrayal of their responsibilities. The driving force behind China's current success lies in an ecosystem anchored in solid planning, facilitated knowledge and skill development, and the pursuit of excellence. This system operates on merit and celebrates knowledge and skills. Coincidentally, as I was concluding this article, a public service text message arrived on my mobile device, reminding us that May 30th is the 9th National Science and Technology Workers' Day and coincides with the 25th National Science and Technology Activity Week. "We extend our utmost respect to all science and technology workers. Let us harness innovation as our guiding principle and hard work as our propulsion, collectively constructing the vision of a robust nation through science and technology," said the message from the ministry. This inspiring message serves as a testament to the recognition of science and technology as the indispensable key to self-sufficiency and competitiveness, positioning China at a significant advantage over other nations. It is unsurprising that China is experiencing a surge of technological achievements that few countries can boast of - something that instills a sense of confidence and fosters national pride.

Miami Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
China Breaks Silence on Chinese Weapons in India-Pakistan Air War
China downplayed how India could benefit from studying its military technology in comments on reports that its neighbor and rival found an unexploded PL-15E missile during its recent conflict with Pakistan, . Newsweek has reached out to India's Defense Ministry for comment. The remarks mark the first time Beijing has publicly addressed the use of its weapons in the four-day military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations, the first to see a military-Pakistan-deploy a full array of advanced Chinese systems, including the HQ-9 air defense system, PL-15 missiles, and J-10C fighters, and put them to test in combat. "The missile you mentioned is an export equipment and has appeared in domestic and foreign defense exhibitions many times," Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Chinese Defense Ministry told a press conference on Wednesday, when asked about reports on the missile. The PL-15E is an export version of a Chinese long-range air-to-air missile with an active radar seeker, capable of targeting enemy aircraft beyond visual range. Earlier this month, India's Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Amit Malviya published footage of the supposed Chinese missile, purportedly recovered in Punjab. According to multiple news reports, it was the third instance where remnants of the PL-15E were found on Indian territory during the India-Pakistan conflict from May 7 to May 10. The collection of debris holds significance for India-a growing U.S. partner-for technical examination and potential reverse engineering-and for its allies. The missiles were used during a massive air battle that took place between India and Pakistan, with the latter claiming to have taken down several of India's French-made Rafale jets using Chinese J-10 fighters. The United States has long considered South Asia a vital region in global peace and security. Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense said, translated from Chinese: "India and Pakistan are neighbors who cannot move away. We hope that both sides should remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Christopher Clary, non-resident fellow with Stimson's South Asia program, wrote in published analysis: "The performance of these newer Chinese systems on the battlefield is of immense importance to states that worry about a future confrontation with China. Likewise, their performance matters for a large number of militaries considering the purchase of Chinese equipment for their own defense needs." China could be fast-tracking delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, signaling deepening military ties amid rising tensions after recent cross-border violence with India. Related Articles China Reacts to Trump Taiwan Arms Report: 'Red Line'China Warns US Over Trump's 'Golden Dome'Trump and Xi Jinping May Have a Call Amid 'Stalled' Talks: Scott BessentDrinking Water Contamination Sparks Faucet Recall 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.


Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
China Breaks Silence on Chinese Weapons in India-Pakistan Air War
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 downplayed how India could benefit from studying its military technology in comments on reports that its neighbor and rival found an unexploded PL-15E missile during its recent conflict with Pakistan, . Newsweek has reached out to India's Defense Ministry for comment. Why It Matters The remarks mark the first time Beijing has publicly addressed the use of its weapons in the four-day military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations, the first to see a military—Pakistan—deploy a full array of advanced Chinese systems, including the HQ-9 air defense system, PL-15 missiles, and J-10C fighters, and put them to test in combat. Scale models of the J-15T fighter jet and the PL-15 missile are on display at the exhibition hall of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on day 2 of the 15th China International... Scale models of the J-15T fighter jet and the PL-15 missile are on display at the exhibition hall of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) on day 2 of the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024. More Zou Wei/VCG/AP What To Know "The missile you mentioned is an export equipment and has appeared in domestic and foreign defense exhibitions many times," Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Chinese Defense Ministry told a press conference on Wednesday, when asked about reports on the missile. The PL-15E is an export version of a Chinese long-range air-to-air missile with an active radar seeker, capable of targeting enemy aircraft beyond visual range. Earlier this month, India's Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member Amit Malviya published footage of the supposed Chinese missile, purportedly recovered in Punjab. According to multiple news reports, it was the third instance where remnants of the PL-15E were found on Indian territory during the India-Pakistan conflict from May 7 to May 10. A fully intact Chinese PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile was recovered in Hoshiarpur, Punjab—clearly launched from a PAF jet, most likely a JF-17. It failed to detonate. — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) May 9, 2025 The collection of debris holds significance for India—a growing U.S. partner—for technical examination and potential reverse engineering—and for its allies. The missiles were used during a massive air battle that took place between India and Pakistan, with the latter claiming to have taken down several of India's French-made Rafale jets using Chinese J-10 fighters. The United States has long considered South Asia a vital region in global peace and security. What People Are Saying Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defense said, translated from Chinese: "India and Pakistan are neighbors who cannot move away. We hope that both sides should remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Christopher Clary, non-resident fellow with Stimson's South Asia program, wrote in published analysis: "The performance of these newer Chinese systems on the battlefield is of immense importance to states that worry about a future confrontation with China. Likewise, their performance matters for a large number of militaries considering the purchase of Chinese equipment for their own defense needs." What Happens Next China could be fast-tracking delivery of its advanced J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters to Pakistan, signaling deepening military ties amid rising tensions after recent cross-border violence with India.


India.com
23-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Russia's role during India-Pakistan conflict very unlike decades old friendship as it remained silent during Operation Sindoor, should India...
Operation Sindoor: During Operation Sindoor, Russian weapons certainly forced Pakistan to kneel, but Moscow's silence has raised serious questions about Putin's policy in the world of diplomacy. Russia remained completely silent during India's Operation Sindoor, while China's tone was threatening towards India. China was indirectly aligned with Pakistan and it is believed that the Chinese provided assistance in networking and electronic warfare to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Additionally, China had also supplied the PL-15 missile to Pakistan just before the conflict with India, which was used against India. Therefore, questions are being raised about how China is positioned with Pakistan; will it openly become an ally of Pakistan during future wars? Should India now prepare for a 'two front war' in any case? Russia's role during Operation Sindoor Questions are being raised over Russia's silence during the India-Pakistan conflict since it has always been a tested and reliable partner for India. Analysts are doubtful about the relationship between Moscow and New Delhi due to its silence. Is it because Russia is burdened by China's favours in the Russia-Ukraine war? Whenever Pakistan has forced war, India has faced it alone every time, except in 1971, when Russia stood in support of India while China has not been able to directly stand with Pakistan for several reasons, it has continued to provide support internally. Thus, for India, Chinese assistance to Pakistan is not a new thing. Challenge of Two Front War In a report by Eurasian Times, geopolitical defense expert Prakash Nanda has stated that India has always faced the challenge of 'Two Front War' in every war against Pakistan. From a strategic standpoint, there are two types of 'Two Front War' situations: first, to covertly support as an ally, and second, direct confrontation. After Operation Sindoor, the meaning of 'Two Front War' has changed, and the likelihood of China directly participating in the next war has increased significantly, as China has realized that Pakistan is incapable of confronting India alone under any circumstances. Therefore, China, which has so far been providing covert support to Pakistan against India through moral, political, and military assistance, may soon openly become Pakistan's war partner against India. This topic does not feature Russia at all. 1971 Indo-Pak war During the 1971 war, when the Bangladesh liberation struggle was underway, China took Pakistan's side against India and harshly criticized Russia for supporting Delhi. China, while supporting Pakistan, accused India and Russia of 'expansionism' and promised to defend Pakistan's 'sovereignty' and had called Russian assistance 'shameful'. Russia, under Vladimir Putin, appears to have deviated from the decades old friendship with India which started during the intensity of the Cold War when Russia was part of the Soviet Union, or (officially) the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The first and only Indian to travel to space in 1984, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, Ashoka Chakra, flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984. He also received the title of 'Hero of the Soviet Union' for the same feat. Things now just don't look the same. It all boils down to the reality that India must be prepared for the challenge of a 'two-front' war at all costs on its own and keep its military, diplomatic, and cyber capabilities ready accordingly. India must fight all battles on its own without expecting any help from Russia or the United States.


Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Be sensitive to our concerns, basis for ties: India to Turkey & China
Almost two weeks after naming Turkey and China for their equipment and weapons being used by Pakistan against India during the military confrontation between May 7 and 10, India on Thursday asked both the countries to be sensitive to its concerns. 'We expect Turkey to strongly urge Pakistan to end its support to cross-border terrorism and take credible and verifiable actions against the terror ecosystem it has harboured for decades. Relations are built on the basis of sensitivities to each other's concerns,' the Ministry of External Affairs' official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. On China, Jaiswal said: 'Our NSA and the Chinese FM and Special Representative on Boundary Issue Mr Wang Yi had spoken to each other on May 10, 2025, when the NSA conveyed India's resolute stance against cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The Chinese side is aware that mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity remain the basis of India-China relations.' On May 9, a preliminary probe into the debris after Pakistan's attempt to breach the northern and western fronts had suggested that the drones used by Pakistan were of Turkish origin, the Songar armed drone system. Songar is an armed drone system designed and manufactured by Asisguard, part of Asis Electronics and Information Systems, to serve as a force-multiplier for low-intensity conflicts. It is the first domestic armed drone system to be operated by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF). It is Turkey's first indigenous drone armed with a machine gun. On May 12, for the first time since the Operation Sindoor operations started and India thwarted most of Pakistan's aerial attacks, New Delhi named China-supplied weapons in Pakistan's arsenal that were used against Indian Armed Forces. Director General Air Operations, Air Marshal A K Bharti, had presented visual evidence of the missile remnants during a joint military press briefing. 'You can see the pieces of it on the screen,' he had said, showcasing debris of the PL-15 that fell inside Indian territory, including a relatively intact rear section recovered from Hoshiarpur, Punjab. India's Armed Forces intercepted and neutralised a range of high-tech foreign weapons used by Pakistan, including Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles and Turkish Byker YIHA III kamikaze drones. The naming of China was a first in the recent hostilities — all these years, New Delhi has closely tracked the expanding Sino-Pak military ties. According to a recent report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has emerged as the largest weapons supplier to Pakistan, accounting for 81 per cent of arms procurement of China's all-weather ally from 2020 to 2024. The procurement included the latest jet fighters, radars, naval ships, submarines and missiles. Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Editor at The Indian Express, has been a journalist for more than 25 years now. Roy joined The Indian Express in October 2003 and has been reporting on foreign affairs for more than 17 years now. Based in Delhi, he has also led the National government and political bureau at The Indian Express in Delhi — a team of reporters who cover the national government and politics for the newspaper. He has got the Ramnath Goenka Journalism award for Excellence in Journalism '2016. He got this award for his coverage of the Holey Bakery attack in Dhaka and its aftermath. He also got the IIMCAA Award for the Journalist of the Year, 2022, (Jury's special mention) for his coverage of the fall of Kabul in August 2021 — he was one of the few Indian journalists in Kabul and the only mainstream newspaper to have covered the Taliban's capture of power in mid-August, 2021. ... Read More