China on Monday dismissed Indian Army Deputy Chief Lt Gen Rahul R Singh’s claim that Beijing actively supported Pakistan militarily during Operation Sindoor, calling its defence ties with Islamabad a part of “normal cooperation.” Singh had earlier said China used the May conflict as a “live lab” to test new weapon systems.
China Calls Pakistan Military Ties Normal, Not Directed at Third Party
Responding to media queries at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said:
“I am not familiar with the specifics you mentioned. Let me say that China and Pakistan are close neighbours, enjoying traditional friendship. Defence and security cooperation is part of the normal cooperation between the two countries and does not target any third party.”
Mao emphasized that relations with India are currently at a “critical moment of improvement and development” and China wishes to ensure steady progress in bilateral ties.
Mao Declines Comment on Rafale Disinformation Allegations
When asked about reports from Paris suggesting that China used its embassies to sow doubts about the performance of French-made Rafale jets after the India-Pakistan conflict, Mao responded: “I am not familiar with what you mentioned.”
Indian Army General Highlights China-Pakistan-Turkiye Nexus
During a recent seminar in Delhi, Lt Gen Singh said that although Pakistan acted as the “front face” in the conflict, China provided extensive support. He added that Turkiye also played a significant role by supplying military hardware.
“India was actually dealing with at least three adversaries during the May 7–10 conflict,” he said.
Gen. Singh also suggested that China used its satellite systems to monitor Indian troop positions and relay live data to Pakistan during DGMO-level conversations.
China Reiterates Support for India-Pakistan Dialogue
While reaffirming the strength of the China-Pakistan relationship, Mao stressed that China supports peaceful resolutions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
“Over the past weeks and months, China has closely followed the developments between India and Pakistan, actively promoted talks for peace, and worked to maintain regional peace and stability. China welcomes and supports India and Pakistan in properly settling differences and seeking fundamental solutions through dialogue and consultation,” Mao said.
When questioned on the contradiction between the alleged Chinese assistance to Pakistan and her statements, she replied: “I am not sure how that allegation came about. Different people may have different perspectives.”
She further clarified: “China-Pakistan relations do not target any third party. This is China’s policy… On India-Pakistan relations, we support the two sides in properly addressing differences through dialogue and consultation and jointly keeping the region peaceful and stable.”
Mao Stresses Normalisation With India Amid Accusations
Addressing concerns about the future of China-India ties, Mao said:“Indeed, China-India relations are at a crucial stage of improvement and development. We stand ready to work with India to move bilateral relations forward on a sound and steady track.”
Background: Operation Sindoor and Aftermath
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The mission targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories and sparked four days of intense cross-border hostilities. Fighting subsided after a mutual understanding to cease military action was reached on May 10.
India has asserted that its strong retaliation forced Pakistan to call for an end to the clashes.
