Beijing, May 30, 2025 – China has declined to address the performance of its military hardware used by Pakistan during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, particularly the PL-15E air-to-air missile. In a press conference, a Chinese military spokesperson evaded questions on whether the missile was deployed or if it functioned as intended, especially after Indian forces reportedly recovered an unexploded missile. The Chinese response has been notably cautious, avoiding any acknowledgment that could indicate flaws or deficiencies in its defense exports.
The conflict saw Pakistan employing Chinese-supplied J-10C fighter jets and PL-15E missiles, with unverified claims of successful hits on Indian aircraft, including the Rafale. However, India’s retrieval of intact missile components has cast doubt on the effectiveness of these weapons. China’s lack of transparency has intensified scrutiny over the reliability of its arms in real-world conflict scenarios and could potentially impact Beijing’s defense partnerships and credibility in the global arms market.
