Operation Sindoor: China Turned India-Pakistan Conflict Into ‘Weapons Testing Ground’, Says US Report
US-China Commission Reveals China Used the Conflict to Test HQ-9, PL-15 Missiles and J-10 Jets; Accused of Exploiting War for Arms Marketing
Operation Sindoor:
A shocking revelation has surfaced from a major US report claiming that China used the India–Pakistan ‘Operation Sindoor’ conflict as a real-time testing ground for its advanced weapon systems. According to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s annual report, China supported Pakistan during the conflict to test and showcase its modern military platforms.
Published on Tuesday, the report states that this was China’s first opportunity to assess its cutting-edge systems under actual combat conditions. The systems reportedly tested included the HQ-9 air defence system, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and J-10 fighter jets.
China Used Conflict to Boost Its Weapons Market
Following the India–Pakistan engagement, China quickly moved to capitalise on global arms sales opportunities. The report mentions that in June, China offered Pakistan a package including 40 J-35 fifth-generation fighter jets, KJ-500 aircraft, and ballistic missile defence systems.
Within weeks, Chinese diplomatic channels publicly praised the performance of Chinese weapons used during the conflict — moves which the report claims were aimed at boosting international sales of Chinese military hardware.
China Tried to Discredit French Rafale Jets
The report also accuses China of launching an online disinformation campaign to discredit the French Rafale fighter aircraft after Operation Sindoor.
According to French intelligence, China used fake social media accounts, AI-generated visuals, and even video game graphics to share fabricated debris images claiming Rafales were destroyed by Chinese-made weapons.
The intention, the report says, was to disrupt Rafale’s global market and promote China’s J-35 instead.
China Rejects All Allegations
Responding to the report, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed the accusations, calling the Commission “fundamentally biased” and stating that its claims lack credibility.
