India-Pakistan War: China Confirms It Provided Technical Support to Pakistan During Last Year's Conflict

China has publicly confirmed for the first time that its personnel provided on-site technical support to Pakistan during last year’s military conflict with India, marking a rare acknowledgment of direct operational involvement by Chinese defence engineers.

The disclosure came through an interview aired by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV with engineers from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, which develops the J-10 fighter aircraft series used by the Pakistan Air Force. According to the report, Chinese engineers were stationed in Pakistan during the four-day conflict in May last year and assisted with operational support linked to Chinese-made combat aircraft. Operation Sindoor 1st Anniversary: 6 Pillars of the Anti-Terror Strike in Pakistan.

Chinese Engineers Describe Conditions During Conflict

In the interview, engineer Zhang Heng said the support team worked under difficult conditions during the fighting. “At the support base, we frequently heard the roar of fighter jets taking off and the constant wail of air-raid sirens,” Zhang said, describing temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius during the deployment.

He said the team’s objective was to ensure that the equipment supplied to Pakistan “performed at its full combat potential.” Another engineer, Xu Da, compared the J-10CE fighter aircraft to “a child” developed and prepared over years before being tested in combat conditions. The remarks marked the first direct confirmation from Chinese personnel that they were actively supporting Pakistan during the confrontation with India over Kashmir. Punjab Twin Blast: NIA Finds ISI Link Behind Amritsar, Jalandhar Explosions; Aimed to Create Panic Ahead of Operation Sindoor Anniversary.

Focus on J-10CE Fighter Jet

The disclosure has drawn attention because Pakistan’s air force operates the Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jet, an export version of the J-10C multirole combat aircraft. Reports during the conflict claimed that one of the aircraft had shot down at least one Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet, though official details surrounding the aerial engagement remain limited.

If confirmed, it would mark the first known combat loss involving a French-made Rafale aircraft and the first reported combat success for the J-10CE platform. The aircraft is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and can carry advanced Chinese air-to-air missile systems, including the PL-15 missile.

China-Pakistan Defence Ties

Pakistan remains the only foreign operator of the J-10CE fighter jet. Islamabad ordered 36 aircraft and 250 PL-15 missiles from China in 2020 as part of efforts to modernise its air force. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, China accounted for up to 80% of Pakistan’s arms imports between 2021 and 2025.

Apart from the J-10CE, Pakistan also operates the JF-17 fighter aircraft, jointly developed with China, as a core part of its combat fleet. The latest disclosure highlights the depth of military and defence cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad, particularly in aviation and weapons systems support.

No Official Indian Response Yet

Indian authorities have not yet officially responded to the comments made by the Chinese engineers or the CCTV report.

The conflict last year led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with both sides accusing each other of military escalation in the Kashmir region.

China’s public acknowledgment of operational support is likely to attract attention amid the broader strategic rivalry in the region and growing scrutiny over defence cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 08, 2026 08:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).