China Confirms Technical Support to Pakistan During India's Operation Sindoor

A Chinese engineer, Zhang Heng from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, confirmed providing technical support to Pakistan during the four-day military conflict with India in May, according to a report by China's state broadcaster CCTV and cited by the South China Morning Post. Zhang, involved in the development of advanced fighter aircraft and UAVs, described working under extreme heat and frequent air-raid sirens while ensuring the operational readiness of Pakistan's J-10CE fighter jets, which are produced by an AVIC subsidiary.

India's Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Rahul R Singh, previously stated that China used the conflict as a 'live lab' by monitoring Indian military movements via satellites and relaying real-time intelligence to Pakistan during DGMO-level talks. He compared China's strategy to the ancient '36 stratagems', describing it as using a 'borrowed knife' to harm India. Chinese state media amplified Pakistan's unverified claims of shooting down Indian aircraft, highlighting the performance of Chinese-made systems despite a lack of independent evidence.

Chinese officials have not responded to India's allegations of active military support, though the foreign ministry and military representatives have routinely downplayed or deflected such accusations in the past. While Zhang's interview marks the first on-record confirmation of direct technical involvement, Beijing has remained silent on the reported failure of Chinese radar systems and the destruction of key Pakistani military and terrorist infrastructure during the operation.

Chinese media and officials have also not commented on the reported collateral damage in Pakistan, including the loss of terrorist bases and air installations. However, recent reports indicate China is considering the sale of its J-35 stealth fighter to Pakistan, a move that could further shift regional military balances.

The Indian military has called for enhanced surveillance and counter-intelligence measures in response to the perceived threat of technology-enabled external support to adversaries. The issue is expected to be raised in upcoming defense and diplomatic talks between New Delhi and Beijing.