In a significant diplomatic development, China has distanced itself from Pakistan’s claims of having used Chinese fighter jets in its retaliatory action against India, following the latter's Operation Sindoor, a coordinated military strike targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Background: Operation Sindoor and Regional Tensions

The Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, 2025, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives on April 22. This joint operation by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force targeted terror infrastructure deep within Pakistani territory including Sialkot, Muridke, and Bahawalpur, as well as Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber in PoJK.

Following the strike, Pakistan claimed to have launched retaliatory action, stating that it had used Chinese-made fighter jets in its counteroffensive. However, this assertion seems to have caught Beijing off guard, prompting a cautious and detached response from China’s Foreign Ministry.

China’s Official Response: "Not Familiar with the Matter"

At a regular media briefing held on May 8, 2025, Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, responded to media questions regarding Pakistan’s assertion about using Chinese jets in response to India’s strike. “We are not familiar with the matter,” he said, indirectly casting doubt over Islamabad’s claim.

This statement from Beijing signals that China does not officially endorse or acknowledge the use of its military hardware in the Indo-Pak conflict at this stage. It also suggests that either Pakistan made the claim unilaterally without prior consultation, or that China wants to maintain plausible deniability to avoid getting embroiled in the escalation between its two neighbours.

The response also underscores China’s strategic tightrope as it continues to have strong defense ties with Pakistan but also maintains a delicate economic relationship with India.

China Calls for Peace and Restraint

Following its brief denial of involvement, China reiterated its call for peace. Lin Jian stated:

“We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, observe international law including the UN Charter, remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation.”

He further added that China is ready to work with the international community to help ease the growing tensions between India and Pakistan. This diplomatic statement aligns with Beijing’s traditional stance of neutrality during Indo-Pak conflicts, while simultaneously promoting its image as a responsible global actor.

Diplomatic Engagement with Pakistan

Interestingly, a day before China’s official statement, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar to discuss the rapidly escalating situation with India. A press release by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed the meeting, suggesting that Beijing is actively monitoring developments and may be working behind the scenes to encourage de-escalation.

This diplomatic outreach, however, does not necessarily imply endorsement of Pakistan's military actions, particularly in the absence of confirmation regarding the use of Chinese jets.

India's Position and Global Reactions

The Indian government has so far not responded to Pakistan’s claims about using Chinese jets, possibly viewing them as provocative propaganda aimed at inflating Pakistan’s response after India’s highly coordinated and successful Operation Sindoor.

Global reactions have largely supported India’s right to self-defense. The United States, France, and Germany have already issued statements condemning the Pahalgam terror attack, with calls for Pakistan to dismantle terror safe havens. There is also increasing diplomatic pressure on Pakistan to act against terror groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which are believed to have been targeted in India’s airstrikes.

China's Dilemma: Between Strategic Partnership and Global Perception

For China, the situation is particularly delicate. While it is Pakistan’s “all-weather ally” and has supplied it with a range of military equipment, including JF-17 Thunder jets co-developed by China and Pakistan, any direct acknowledgment of their use against India could severely damage its relations with New Delhi, which remains one of China’s largest trading partners.

Furthermore, such acknowledgment would complicate China's global image and run counter to its efforts to present itself as a peace broker, especially amid global concerns about China’s assertive foreign policy in the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

By stating that it is “not familiar” with Pakistan’s claim, China has effectively kept the door open for strategic ambiguity, a tactic often used in diplomacy to buy time, deflect accountability, and de-escalate tensions.

Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead

As of now, the situation along the India-Pakistan border remains tense, with India maintaining heightened alertness across Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab, especially after recent infiltration attempts such as the one foiled by the BSF in Samba, where seven Pakistani terrorists were neutralised.

The Indian military is closely monitoring any developments from the Pakistani side, including movements of fighter aircraft, missile deployments, and troop activity near the border.

For its part, China appears to be taking a watch-and-wait approach, attempting to balance strategic alliances with Pakistan while ensuring that it does not alienate India or get dragged into a regional conflict that could damage its global standing.

Conclusion

In summary, China’s official distancing from Pakistan’s claim regarding the use of Chinese jets is a tactical move aimed at avoiding direct involvement in the current India-Pakistan conflict. While it continues to be a key defense partner for Islamabad, Beijing is treading cautiously, promoting dialogue and de-escalation rather than confrontation.

As both nations continue to operate in a high-tension environment, global players and regional stakeholders will be closely watching China’s moves—not just for what it says, but also for what it chooses not to acknowledge.

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