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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
2 days 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 Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
China remains tight-lipped on performance of its weapons in India-Pakistan conflict
Beijing [China], May 30 (ANI): A Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson, Zhang Xiaogang, refused to provide any details on the effectiveness of Pakistan's weapons during the recent military confrontation with India, sidestepping direct answers and instead urging both sides to remain calm, Global Times reported. This comes amid reports of India recovering an unexploded PL-15E missile, a Chinese-made beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Speaking at a regular Thursday press briefing, spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang emphasised China's hope that both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation. When asked for the ministry's comment on the performance of Chinese equipment in the recent India-Pakistan conflict, and on the remarks by Indian military officials that 'Pakistan received support from China's air defense and satellite systems, but the performance of these systems was below average,' Zhang said, 'We would like to stress that India and Pakistan are neighbors that cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation.' He said that China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. Notably, Pakistan and India announced on May 10 a cessation of hostilities. The announcement came following four days of Operation Sindoor, India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Earlier, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the two countries agreed to observe a cessation of hostilities and end military actions on their borders and line of control, Xinhua said. 'It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea with effect from 5 pm local time on May 10. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding,' Misri said at a press briefing in New Delhi. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people and injured several others. The forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in over 100 deaths of terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)
Mint
2 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
China evasive on performance of its weapons in India-Pakistan conflict, slams US over space militarisation
A Chinese spokesperson remained tight-lipped when asked about the use and performance of China-made weapons during the India-Pakistan conflict. Speaking at a regular Thursday press briefing, spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang evaded the question but urged both sides to remain calm. According to Chinese state media Global Times, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense was asked to comment on the performance of Chinese equipment in the recent India-Pakistan conflict. The spokesperson was also asked for the ministry's comment on the remarks by Indian military officials that "Pakistan received support from China's air defense and satellite systems, but the performance of these systems was below average." Zhang responded on Thursday, saying, "We would like to stress that India and Pakistan are neighbours that cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation." "China is willing to continue playing a constructive role in maintaining regional peace and stability," he was quoted by Global Times as saying. Zhang also responded to a question on whether it is true that India had obtained the powerful PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile during the India-Pakistan conflict and whether this could lead to reverse engineering of related military technology. Zhang said the missile in question is an exported piece of equipment that has been displayed at multiple domestic and international defence exhibitions. The statement came amid reports of India recovering an unexploded PL-15E missile, a Chinese-made beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Pakistan and India announced on May 10 a cessation of hostilities. The announcement came following four days of Operation Sindoor, India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The Chinese ministry spokesperson also criticised the US for its "space militarisation" and its move to unveil plans for the Golden Dome missile defense system. Chinese Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said on Thursday that the US presses ahead with the Golden Dome system and deploys space-based weapons, continuously expands its military build-up and stokes an arms race in outer space. "Such acts violate relevant principles of the Outer Space Treaty, heighten the risk of turning the space into a war zone and triggering a space arms race, and shake the international security and arms control regime," he said. The spokesperson then warned, "Its actions will once again open the Pandora's proves again that no country has done more than the US in militarising space and making it a battlefield." "We urge the US side to stop expanding military build-up in space, and take concrete actions to uphold global strategic stability," he said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'The missile you mention...': Beijing deflects question on Chinese arms' ‘below average' performance in India-Pakistan conflict
A senior Chinese military official has sidestepped questions about the reported underperformance of Chinese-supplied weapons during the recent India-Pakistan conflict , as reported by the Global Times. Speaking at a monthly press briefing on Thursday, Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang declined to comment on India's recovery of a PL-15E missile — one of China's most advanced air-to-air weapons — or on Indian claims that Chinese defence systems used by Pakistan performed 'below average' during the four-day military confrontation earlier this month. 'The missile you mentioned is an export equipment and has been shown at defence exhibitions at home and abroad many times,' Zhang said, referring to the unexploded PL-15E reportedly found by Indian forces. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo Pressed further, Zhang added: 'India and Pakistan are neighbours that cannot be moved. We hope that both sides can remain calm and restrained and avoid action further complicating the situation.' He offered no direct response to Indian officials' allegations that Pakistan had received Chinese air defence and satellite support during the conflict, which they claim did not yield effective results. Live Events Indian military officials had asserted that Pakistan used Chinese air defence systems and relied on Chinese satellite support, but the results were 'below average'. The Chinese response to these claims was muted, with Zhang avoiding confirmation or denial. 'We would like to stress that India and Pakistan are neighbours that cannot be moved. We hope both sides will remain calm and restrained to avoid further complicating the situation,' Zhang repeated, echoing similar language used previously by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. He added, 'The Chinese side is willing to continue the constructive role in achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire and preserve regional peace and stability.' India and Pakistan announced a cessation of hostilities on 10 May, following Operation Sindoor , launched by India in response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. That attack left 26 civilians dead and injured several more. From 7 to 10 May, Indian forces targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operations led to the deaths of over 100 militants from groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistan responded with three days of retaliatory air strikes, which were intercepted by Indian defences. 'It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, in the air and sea with effect from 5 pm local time on May 10. Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding,' Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at a press briefing in New Delhi, according to Xinhua. The recent flare-up has intensified focus on the role and reliability of Chinese weaponry in Pakistan's arsenal. China supplies 81 per cent of Pakistan's military imports, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) covering 2020 to 2024. These include fighter jets, radars, warships, submarines, and advanced missile systems. The PL-15E, which was reportedly recovered unexploded in Indian territory, is a radar-guided beyond-visual-range missile and represents a key element of China's missile exports. Its presence and apparent failure during the conflict raise questions over its battlefield performance. Pakistan's military largely relies on China-supplied platforms, including the JF-17 fighter aircraft, jointly developed by the two nations. This aircraft remains central to Pakistan's air power and was used during the conflict. The Chinese Defence Ministry's silence on equipment performance has drawn significant attention within Chinese media, reflecting both the depth of China-Pakistan defence ties and the potential reputational risks of battlefield shortcomings. This was the first media interaction by the Chinese military since the conflict, and though routine, it came under sharper focus due to the scale of Chinese involvement in Pakistan's defence infrastructure. Despite Beijing's public appeals for calm, analysts note the strategic weight of its silence. The lack of clarity on weapons effectiveness — especially during live conflict — may affect future defence diplomacy and procurement choices across the region. For now, China insists on a neutral stance. But its military exports, their performance, and its political proximity to Pakistan continue to be closely watched, particularly in New Delhi.
