A report submitted to the US Congress highlighted Pakistan’s military success over India during the four-day conflict in May this year, and noted the use of Chinese weaponry. Pakistan initially reported downing five Indian planes, later raising the number to seven, while denying losses of its own aircraft. Islamabad said it struck 26 Indian targets after three airbases were attacked.
The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission said China used the conflict to test and showcase its defence capabilities. The report highlighted China’s role in providing weapons and intelligence support to Pakistan, although China neither confirmed nor denied the extent of its involvement. India claimed China gave live inputs on Indian military positions, which Pakistan denied.
The report also mentioned China’s expanding military cooperation with Pakistan in 2025, including Warrior-VIII counter-terrorism drills in 2024 and participation in AMAN multinational exercises in February. It said modern Chinese systems like HQ-9 air defence, PL-15 missiles, and J-10 fighter jets were used in active combat for the first time, serving as real-world tests. China reportedly offered Pakistan J-35 fifth-generation jets, KJ-500 aircraft, and missile defence systems while Pakistan increased its defence budget by 20 percent.
The May conflict started after India launched airstrikes in Punjab and Azad Kashmir on May 7 following a tourist attack in occupied Kashmir, which Pakistan denied. American mediation helped both sides reach a ceasefire on May 10. The report also mentioned allegations of Chinese disinformation campaigns to promote its own weapons over French Rafales.
