China confirms it helped Pakistan’s air force during last year’s war with India

Beijing has officially acknowledged its direct role in supporting Pakistan's air force during the recent conflict with India, a significant admission that underscores the deepening military ties between China and Pakistan. State broadcaster CCTV revealed that Chinese engineers were present on the ground, providing crucial technical assistance.

The report highlights a key moment in the aerial engagements: a Chinese-made fighter jet successfully downed one of India's French-made Rafale aircraft. This marks the first reported instance of a Chinese fighter achieving such a feat and the first loss of a Rafale in combat, a testament to the capabilities of the Chinese-equipped Pakistani air force.

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At the support base, we frequently heard the roar of fighter jets taking off and the constant wail of air-raid sirens. By late morning, in May, the temperature was already approaching 50 degrees Celsius [122 degrees Fahrenheit]. It was a real ordeal for us, both mentally and physically.

Zhang Heng, an engineer from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), shared his experiences from the support base. He described the intense operational environment, marked by the constant roar of fighter jets and the pervasive sound of air-raid sirens, all under the punishing heat of the region. Despite the mental and physical strain, Zhang emphasized his team's dedication to providing "on-site support" to ensure the aircraft could "truly perform at its full combat potential." This confirmation not only validates Pakistan's military prowess but also signals China's growing influence and commitment to its strategic partner in the region.

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desire to do an even better job with on‑site support, and to ensure their equipment could truly perform at its full combat potential.