The recent escalation of conflict between India and Pakistan has brought the role of Chinese weaponry into sharp focus. Pakistan's military arsenal is increasingly reliant on Chinese-made equipment, ranging from fighter jets and air defense systems to naval frigates and artillery. This dependence raises concerns about China's growing influence in the region and the implications for the strategic balance between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

China's Military Support to Pakistan

China has been a long-standing provider of military and economic aid to Pakistan, viewing it as a strategic ally to counterbalance India's regional aspirations. This "all-weather" friendship has translated into substantial military assistance, with China supplying approximately 81% of Pakistan's military imports. Key examples of Chinese hardware in Pakistan's arsenal include:

• JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet: A cornerstone of China-Pakistan military cooperation, the JF-17 is a mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force. The latest Block 3 variant boasts advanced avionics, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and PL-15 missiles capable of beyond-visual-range engagement.
• Naval Vessels: China has supplied Type 054A/P frigates to the Pakistan Navy, enhancing its maritime capabilities. Additionally, Pakistan has ordered eight Yuan-class submarines from China, with deliveries scheduled between 2022 and 2028.
• Air Defense Systems: Pakistan has acquired the HQ-9 air defense system, a long-range missile system with a range of up to 260 kilometers. Integrated with other Chinese-made systems, such as the LY-80 medium-range air defense system and ZDK-03 airborne early warning aircraft, the HQ-9 forms a multi-layered air defense network.
• Hypersonic Missiles: There has been speculation that China may transfer its DF-17 hypersonic missile to Pakistan, which could challenge India's S-400 air defense system.
• PL-15E Air-to-Air Missile: Recent reports suggest that Pakistan has used the Chinese-made PL-15E missile in the current conflict, with some sources claiming it was used to shoot down an Indian Rafale fighter jet. The PL-15E is a fourth-generation missile with a maximum range of 145km.

Impact on India-Pakistan Relations

China's military support to Pakistan has several implications for the India-Pakistan dynamic:

• Shifting the Balance of Power: The influx of Chinese weapons has bolstered Pakistan's military capabilities, potentially eroding India's conventional advantage. This may embolden Pakistan to adopt a more assertive stance in its dealings with India.
• Proxy Conflict: Some analysts view the India-Pakistan conflict as a proxy battleground for Chinese and Western arms. The performance of Chinese weapons against Indian equipment, which is increasingly sourced from Western countries, is being closely watched by military planners around the world.
• Intelligence Gathering: The conflict provides China with a valuable opportunity to gather intelligence on Indian military tactics and equipment. By observing the performance of its weapons in Pakistani hands, China can refine its own military strategies and improve its arms industry.
• Regional Instability: China's support for Pakistan exacerbates tensions between India and Pakistan, increasing the risk of escalation. This could lead to a dangerous cycle of arms build-ups and military posturing, further destabilizing the region.

Implications for India

In light of China's growing military support for Pakistan, India faces several challenges:

• Need for Modernization: India needs to accelerate its military modernization efforts to maintain its edge over Pakistan. This includes acquiring advanced weapons systems, strengthening its air defenses, and investing in domestic defense production.
• Strategic Partnerships: India needs to deepen its strategic partnerships with countries like the United States and France to counter China's influence in the region. This includes increased military cooperation, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic support.
• Two-Front Threat: India must be prepared to deal with a potential two-front threat from China and Pakistan. This requires a comprehensive defense strategy that takes into account the combined capabilities of both adversaries.
• Taiwan: Some experts suggest that India should consider arming Taiwan with Indian-made weapons as a way to signal its displeasure to Beijing. However, this is a controversial idea that could further escalate tensions with China.

The India-Pakistan conflict is increasingly intertwined with the strategic competition between China and the United States. As China continues to bolster Pakistan's military capabilities, India will need to adapt its defense strategy and strengthen its alliances to maintain its regional security.